Wickham Philadelphia Model 1816 Conversion

Description

Wickham Philadelphia Model 1816 Conversion

Model 1816 musket converted to percussion by Philadelphia contractor M.T. Wickham. The lock is marked U.S. M.T. Wickham beneath the bolster and Phila 1831 at the rear.

The .69 caliber smoothbore barrel bears inspector proof marks including U.S., AH, and P in oval on the breech. The barrel tang is dated 1832.

Steel components show a dark brown patina with areas of gray wear. Both sling swivels remain intact and the rear swivel is riveted with a decorative washer. The musket retains its original button‑tipped ramrod.

Private contractors such as Wickham performed large numbers of these alterations during the transition from flintlock to percussion ignition.

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cone-in-barrel, side-bolster, or braised-bolster systems in order to extend their useful life after percussion ignition superseded the flint mechanism.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.

Inventory Number: RIF 326