1816/39 Conversion Musket

[TDM]

Finally got the chance to inspect and photograph my Son’s new acquisition.
A Harpers Ferry 1839 built M1816 Type III, conversion musket. Converted in early 1862 at CS Briarfield Arsenal, Columbus, MS, with drum bolster and yet unknown military style hammer (not civilian hammer as was more common). Has period arsenal made 1840/1842 style ramrod known as "blacksmith made ramrod".
He did a full disassembly with some very light cleaning and a little oiling. The inside of the lock and bridle still showed the original fire bluing. There is some corrosion around the nipple, but overall it’s in good, unmolested condition.

 

[Rudyard]

Finally got the chance to inspect and photograph my Son’s new acquisition.
A Harpers Ferry 1839 built M1816 Type III, conversion musket. Converted in early 1862 at CS Briarfield Arsenal, Columbus, MS, with drum bolster and yet unknown military style hammer (not civilian hammer as was more common). Has period arsenal made 1840/1842 style ramrod known as "blacksmith made ramrod".
He did a full disassembly with some very light cleaning and a little oiling. The inside of the lock and bridle still showed the original fire bluing. There is some corrosion around the nipple, but overall it’s in good, unmolested condition.

looks like the early Enfield hammer ,Nice piece.
Rudyard

 

[Cornbread]

VERY NICE! Is that patina on the barrel or the “plumb brown” still visible?

Speaking of barrel, any idea if that is a divot or inspector stamp on top of the barrel? Looks too deep to be an inspector stamp but the uniform shape is too nice to be a scuff. Just curious…

James

 

[TDM]

VERY NICE! Is that patina on the barrel or the “plumb brown” still visible?

Speaking of barrel, any idea if that is a divot or inspector stamp on top of the barrel? Looks too deep to be an inspector stamp but the uniform shape is too nice to be a scuff. Just curious…

View attachment 190341

James

It's all patina. It was a bright finish originally, the barrel still shows fairly bright on the bottom and under the bands. As far as the indentation it's a mystery. It's symmetrical with a slight taper, but not very deep. Might have been a sight mount, but who knows.

 

[Cornbread]

Thanks for the reply and info.

I thought the same thing, that the indentation looked like the beginnings of a scope Mount. I guess over a hundred years and change, anything’s possible.

Thank you,
James