Confederate Braised Bolster Model 1816 Conversion

Description

Confederate Braised Bolster Model 1816 Conversion

Model 1816 musket altered using the braised bolster conversion from Milledgeville GA, on an M.T. Wickham of Philadelphia musket.
Inspector markings including “46” and “U.S.” remain faintly visible on the breech of the barrel. The steel components exhibit a dark gray patina with brown spotting from age.

The stock bears faint carved letters including “J” and “WH.” Both sling swivels remain intact and the firearm retains its button-tipped ramrod.
These confederate altered arms by Wickham represent an important category of mid-nineteenth century percussion conversions, pressed into southern service in the early war.
Converted Model 1816 muskets were among the most common stop-gap arms of the 1840s through early Civil War period. Originally produced as flintlocks, they were modernized through cone-in-barrel, side-bolster, or braised-bolster systems in order to extend their useful life after percussion ignition superseded the flint mechanism. These conversions are historically significant because they document the long service life of early U.S. military arms and the enormous demand for shoulder weapons in both state and national service.

A true issued confederate soldier’s musket from the American Civil War!

Inventory Number: RIF 327