Model 1812 Springfield Massachusetts “Sea Fencibles” Musket / SOLD
Model 1812 Springfield Massachusetts “Sea Fencibles” Musket - Inventory Number: RIF 162 / SOLD
This is a rare variant of a musket that has been termed a Sea Fencibles, Coast Artillery or even Navy Contract musket by collectors. However, the designation of Massachusetts Militia Musket is probably the most accurate name, as their origin is somewhat of an enigma. It is likely that this musket war altered sometime between 1840-1865 under the authority of a military subdivision of the state. The majority are Eli Whitney contracts, with Asa Waters or Springfield Armory occasionally encountered. This particular musket is far less common as it is not only a Springfield Armory musket, but also a US M-1812 Type III (current collector terminology) or rather a Standard Model of 1815 Type IV using the new terminology established in Peter Schmidt’s recent two volume edition on US flintlock muskets. The gun is clearly marked on the lock plate with the typical Eagle / US forward of the hammer, and in three vertical lines SPRING / FIELD /1817 behind the hammer. The matching date 1817 appears on the barrel tang. The breech is marked with a V P / Eagle Head and “MS” for Massachusetts, and the numbers “736 and “115” stamped near the cone. The defining “features’ of the Sea Fencible is the massive brass butt plate and the thinned down butt stock that has been altered to accept it. Both of these features are present, and the uniquely shaped heavy brass butt plate is numbered 19 on the top. The action of the gun functions crisply on all positions, and the cone remains in very good condition. The metal surfaces are semi bright with even, light, scattered pitting overall. The original ramrod is complete with threaded end for implements. The stock is a very dark, almost ebony brown, with some chipping near the middle barrel band. This is a scarce musket for a collector seeking unique percussion conversion variants.