ELI WHITNEY 1812 CONTRACT FLINTLOCK MUSKET

ELI WHITNEY 1812 CONTRACT FLINTLOCK MUSKET

Hover to zoom

Image 1 Image 2 Image 3 Image 4 Image 5 Image 6 Image 7 Image 8 Image 9 Image 10 Image 11 Image 12 Image 13 Image 14 Image 15 Image 16

$2,250.00

Quantity Available: 1

Item Code: 2025-3661

Shipping: Determined by Method & Location of buyer

To Order:
Call 717-334-0347,
Fax 717-334-5016, or E-mail

The lockplate on this musket is Riley’s Figure 318, both in the marking, a simple “N. HAVEN” in a banner scroll near the lower edge, forward of the cock, and the use of a flat lockplate, with beveled edge and pointed rear, a convex reinforced cock, reverse curve to the tip of the frizzen, an angled brass pan without fence, and using a stock with low comb and thick wrist. He notes the same lockplate appears on contract muskets delivered to New York, Massachusetts and Connecticut, though with barrels stamped with distinguishing state proof marks. Moller illustrates the lockplate as typical of Whitney’s fourth Connecticut contract, signed in 1812, for 700 muskets, the last of which were delivered in 1814, but notes the left breech flats of those muskets are stamped with the Connecticut state shield. We see no indication of that. We do, however, see two faint stamps near the center rear of the barrel, the more forward of which may be a “P” in a sunken oval cartouche, opening up the possibility of this being one of Whitney’s Type-III US 1812 contract muskets. Moller notes (Vol. 2, p. 187) that at least the last 13,065 of these muskets, delivered from 1818 through 1824, were proved not by Ordnance Department personnel, but by Whitney’s own people, for which he was paid four cents apiece for the powder and lead using in the proving, and that his mark was a “P” in a sunken oval cartouche. That having been said, we cannot make much of the other stamping in the barrel, so it could be a state marking, and we see no federal acceptance stamp at the rear of the side flat, which we would expect and would be an inspector’s initials with a “V.”

So the staff here are still in some disagreement about whether to call this a US or state contract musket, though it has not come to throwing anything yet and all agree that it is in very good, untouched condition, original flint, with an attractive look, all bands, springs, and ramrod in place, the sling swivels missing, but the lugs for them in place, as are the front sight and bayonet leg on the 42” barrel. The wood to metal fit is good, the wood showing a deep brown and the barrel lighter brown, but presenting a very uniform appearance. The barrel shows some thin crustiness, but no real pitting. The touch hole is excellent. The wood has generally good edges, though with some handling dings and scratches on the left stock below the middle band, some slight rounding to the lock apron, with a narrow hairline at the rear point, some shallow drag lines on the right butt flat and wear spots on the left butt flat with some scratches and a narrow hairline on the lower left flat at the buttplate with a small chip. The muzzle shows an old collection number “25” in white paint. The side flat shows a very old “XX” lightly carved in it, above the trigger. Please see our photos.

This is a very good looking US flintlock musket made by one of the most famous American “mechanical geniuses,” who played a key role the development of American industry, in large part by his promotion, if not entirely successful manufacture, of interchangeable parts and other innovations.  [sr][ph:L]

DISCLAIMER: All firearms are sold as collector's items only - we do not accept responsibility as to the shooting safety or reliability of any antique firearm. All firearms are described as accurately as possible, given the restraints of a catalog listing length. We want satisfied customers & often "under" describe the weapons. Any city or state regulations regarding owning antique firearms are the responsibility of the purchaser. All firearms are "mechanically perfect" unless noted, but again, are NOT warranted as safe to fire.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THIS ITEM, AS WITH ALL OTHER ITEMS AVAILABLE ON OUR WEB SITE,

MAY BE PURCHASED THROUGH OUR LAYAWAY PROGRAM.

CLICK HERE FOR OUR POLICIES AND TERMS.

THANK YOU!

Inquire »

Inquire About ELI WHITNEY 1812 CONTRACT FLINTLOCK MUSKET

should be empty