HARPERS FERRY RIFLE MODEL 1814

HARPERS FERRY RIFLE MODEL 1814

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$1,695.00

Quantity Available: 1

Item Code: 2026-853

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Call 717-334-0347,
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This very attractive firearm was adopted from, and is almost identical to the Model 1803 half-stock flintlock rifle of Lewis and Clark and War of 1812 fame. This rifle was far more elegant than other nation's rifles then is use and was inspired by the Kentucky Long Rifle a weapon that was far more accurate than contemporary smooth bore weapons. The rifling of the 33-inch plus barrel was achieved by cutting a spiral pattern of grooves that took a twist before reaching the muzzle. The Model 1803 was the first armory produced and issued US military rifle.  The Model 1803 falls into two basic types corresponding to separate production runs. The first from 1804 into 1807, with a total of 4,013 guns and the second from 1814, spurred by the need to arm three new rifle regiments in the War of 1812, and continuing through 1820 with a total of 15,707 manufactured. After 1815 a 36-inch barrel was introduced.

The key held 36-inch-long barrel is a silver/gray color mixed with darker gray spots. There is freckling and salt-and-pepper shallow pitting mostly near the breech. Approximately the last 1/3rd of the barrel is octagonal the remainder is round. The weapon was not designed to take a bayonet. The brass front sight and the rear iron open sight are in place, as is the barrel rib on the underside and the 2 iron ramrod thimbles, which match the barrel for color and condition. The original threaded ramrod of iron is not brass tipped and matches the barrel and rib, and it looks like it has been with the rifle forever. The left breech of the barrel is correctly marked with two oval impressed proofs, one with a raised eagle’s head over a “P” and the other with a raised “U.S.” As is correct for the Type-II, there is no serial number. The barrel has been bored out to .60 caliber. The vast majority of 1803/14 Harper's Ferry rifles are found bored out. Why? The 7-groove rifling in these arms was compatible only with .54 caliber round balls. Accordingly, the vast majority were reamed out for buck and ball; this was done after the introduction of the Minie bullet. So many are found in this configuration that Reilly in his wonderful book United States Martial Flintlocks, suggests they many may have been made this way; this conclusion is erroneous.

The lock plate markings are good: “HARPERS" over "FERRY" over "1819" behind the hammer. A Federal Eagle with shield marked “U.S.” on its chest; this is in front of the hammer. The frizzen spring is a modern replacement. Additional replacements or additions are the cock or hammer and its top jaw and screw, the flash pan and its screw, the frizzen or steel and its screw. This 1819 weapon once "flint and steel" in ignition was converted to percussion after 1837 and then, in modern times, naively re-converted to flintlock. Of course, when the percussion bolster was removed from the right side of the barrel breech a round iron plug was welded or screwed into place and subsequently drilled. This work is not done to deceive and for appearance's sake we recommend it all be re-worked by a more adept hand.

The brass mounts which include rear entry pipe, reinforcing stock band, side plate, trigger guard and handrail, butt plate, and 2-piece patch box have matching pleasing, medium tones. The stock is very good, with a nice dark color and good edges with just small dings and shallow scratches. The cheek rest shows some minor wear. The counterpane opposite the lock plate shows light dings and in one place at the brass side plate there is some wood filler. No inspector's marks are readily visible.

But for the reconversion and smooth bore this weapon would sell for $9500 or more. It is never-the-less a good example of a classic US martial firearm.   [pe][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!

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