Model 1840 Springfield Conversion Musket
.69 Caliber Smoothbore Musket  

Description

Model 1840 Springfield Conversion Musket
.69 Caliber Smoothbore Musket

An attractive and untouched example of a U.S. Model 1840 Springfield Musket that was altered from flintlock to percussion using the desirable cone-in-barrel conversion method. This musket represents the type of arm carried during the early years of the Civil War as older flintlock muskets were modernized for continued military service.

The lock plate is marked with a federal eagle over U.S. forward of the hammer and is dated SPRINGFIELD 1842 at the rear. The lock retains a portion of the original brass flash pan, a characteristic feature of these early percussion conversions. The barrel tang date remains faintly visible, and the side plate is stamped with the letter “C.”

The metal surfaces exhibit an attractive deep plum-brown patina with a pleasing sheen throughout. Light peppering is present at the breech area, consistent with percussion cap use during its period of service. The bore remains clean with only minor scattered pitting.

Both original sling swivels remain intact, as does the trumpet-headed ramrod. The stock is exceptionally well preserved, displaying only light handling marks and a few scattered service dings. An oval inspector’s cartouche is visible on the left side of the stock behind the side plate, and a small stamped “D” appears on the bottom flat of the stock just behind the rear trigger guard finial. The buttplate tang is clearly marked “U.S.”
Mechanically, the musket remains in full working order with a strong mainspring and crisp action. Overall, this is a particularly appealing early-war Springfield conversion that has survived in remarkably original condition and displays beautifully. 

Inventory Number: RIF-359