3380

VERY RARE U.S. M1840 SPRINGFIELD FLINTLOCK MUSKET

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:5,000.00 USD Estimated At:10,000.00 - 14,000.00 USD
VERY RARE U.S. M1840 SPRINGFIELD FLINTLOCK MUSKET

IN ORIGINAL FLINT CONFIGURATION WITH BAYONET. Cal. 69. NSN. Bbl. measures 42" and has a bayonet lug at the base of the muzzle. Barrel is proofed on the left side, "V" over "P" over an eagle head. On the left flat, just below the proof marks, is an "N H" stamp indicating that the gun was 1 of 87 that were shipped to the state of New Hampshire shortly after production started. This is the fortunate reason that this gun was never altered to percussion. The barrel tang is dated 1842. Lock has a detachable brass pan and is marked with a left looking, drooped wing eagle over "US" in front of the cock and "SPRINGFIELD 1842" behind the cock. Iron trigger guard with "US" proofed iron buttplate. Musket also features an iron side plate, barrel bands, nosecap, ramrod and sling swivels. Wonderfully grained stock with 2 very clear inspector's marks near the sideplate that read "T W" and "J M". These initials stand for Thomas Warner who was the Master Armorer at Springfield and Justin Murphy who was the Foreman/Inspector for the Springfield Armory. The scarce original M1835 bayonet is included with the musket. Bayonet measures 20 1/4" overall with a nearly 18" blade. The flat of the bayonet is stamped "US". Of the 30,421 M1840s produced, 26,841 were converted to percussion at the arsenal with many others being converted afterward. Therefore, it is very rare to find an M1840 that has not been converted and many times rarer to find one in like new condition. The M1840 was originally designated the M1835 but because of production delays and alterations, the first guns were not ready for shipment until 1840. It is interesting to note that the most unique, identifying feature of the M1840 is the circular opening in the center of the hammer. The M1840 was the last standard production flintlock musket in the United States. CONDITION: amazingly, this musket is as close to like new condition as could be found. The barrel, lock and all iron parts have their original factory finish. The stock has minimal storage wear. Fine bore. Bayonet has a light gray finish overall. It is truly amazing that a 180 year old, United States military musket could survive in nearly pristine condition. A superlative example. (01-20954/BF). $10,000-14,000.