Model 1795 Springfield Conversion Musket / SOLD

Model 1795 Springfield Conversion Musket - Inventory Number:  RIF 169 / SOLD

The U.S. Model 1795 was a .69 caliber flintlock musket and the first standardized U.S. martial arm to be produced, patterned after the French Model 1763 Charleville musket. The Model 1795 was used in the War of 1812, after which shortcomings in both the design and manufacturing process of the Model 1795 led to the development of the Springfield Model 1812 at Springfield only, and eventually the Springfield Model 1816 at both armories. Springfield Armory produced 80,000 Model 1795 muskets, with Harpers Ferry responsible for another 70,000. Many were still in state armories at the start of the Civil War and pressed into service by the Confederacy. 

This musket was produced at Springfield Armory in 1812. It has a crude, southern style percussion bolster conversion as well as an irregular, blacksmith forged hammer. The lock is marked “US / SPRINGFIELD /1812.” The hammer no longer holds, likely due to a worn tumbler. The barrel has clear “VP” and eagle proof marks. The butt plate is also clearly stamped “1812.” All iron surfaces have taken on a deep, uncleaned plum brown patina. The correct, original ramrod is still in place. The stock has a crack along the bottom edge of the lock plate reenforced with a small screw, and some wood loss forward of the lock. The initials “DWH” are carved into the front of the trigger guard. This musket has a lot of character and could have easily seen service in the Confederate army. A great addition to a U.S. martial arms or Civil War collection. 

 Inventory Number:  RIF 169 / SOLD