US Harpers Ferry Arsenal Musket, 1845, .69 Caliber, Smooth Bore
This item is listed for historical interest only. It was listed on our site previously but has been sold and is no longer available for purchase.
Sold for: $695.00

Original period manufacture. This is an interesting old smoke-pole in that it has been shortened to a 46 inch length, however care was taken to make sure the top barrel band and band spring were retained for use during the modification process. Also, the sling swivels were also kept in place so the owner could continue to make use of that carrying mode, one side on the upper swivel is broken. Harpers Ferry Arsenal marked lock with an 1845 date, and an eagle stamp forward of the hammer screw. The hammer holds on half cock, and falls when the trigger is pulled, with the nipple remaining in decent shape. The metal has an even steel patina, with all components matching in finish, there is some pitting at the base of the barrel from firing, but no real corrosion issues. There is a piece of wood missing from the stock forward of the lock, however when that broke away it was long ago. On the right stock face is a wooden disc set into the wood, similar to what you see on a French Chassepot, and on the opposite side, the initials J.K.D. are deeply carved into the surface. The ramrod is not correct for the musket, looking like an Enfield pattern rod to me. I wish this musket could tell us it's story, I feel it would be an interesting one, perhaps cut-down for use by a teamster to keep handy to him up front in the wagon, when a full length musket would have been very awkward. After the Civil War thousands of these old smooth bores were sold off surplus, and being an inexpensive firearm, many saw use here in the West. **Please know your local and state laws regarding the purchase of antique firearms. In spite of it's 178 year age, you may not be able to own it in your locale". US SALES ONLY.