A handsome re-altered specimen is a seldom-seen original M1816 Springfield-marked, Navy-contract musket a.k.a. a “Sea Fencible” Musket dated 1817. Longarm, made from 1816 thru 1840, is marked M.S. for State of Massachusetts and has been re-altered from percussion back to its original flintlock status. These muskets were distinctively unique with a thick brass, high hump buttplate and a rounded swell or projection at the stock heel and toe. Musket has a black walnut full stock and measures 58” long with a 42” long round barrel. The single-shot muzzleloader features a .69 caliber bore with the barrel secured with three-barrel bands. All iron mountings with no original color. Barrel original finished bright but has acquired a salt & pepper coloring overall. 

Lockplate has a mottled dark gray patina and is flat with a beveled front and a rounded rear section with a small teat. Face is stamped with a small “spreadwinged eagle /  “US” before the hammer and “SPRING / FIELD / 1817” behind the cock / hammer. Lock has a detachable brass flashpan with a fence, a flat-sided cock or hammer with an original flint still secured. Barrel tang is dated “1817” and the breech shows proof marks “P” / eaglehead / V” clearly visible.  Also marked on the barrel breech is the alphanumeric marking “MS” which indicates State of Massachusetts. In addition, the stamping “69 / 69 / K” is visible on the top of barrel breech. The large trigger guard holds the sling swivel while the middle barrel band supports the second swivel. 

Musket has its steel ramrod with a button shaped head and a worn front sight for a socket bayo; no bayo lug. Inspector marks found on the forward triggerguard tang (D), at the bottom of the stock (LH) and on the lockstrap “D”. Brass buttplate tang is stamped with the horizontal high hump with “46” likely the ship’s rack number. Mechanics are very tight. All other iron components are good with screws sharp and not buggered up. This rare ‘Sea Fencible’ musket is a great re-altered M1816 to flint and makes a nice addition to any naval or military collection of American longarms.

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