M1842 smoothbore musket-source of original nipples?

[Rick Davis]

I recently bought an original M1842 musket, and I want to replace the nipple with an original nipple, but in better condition.

Anyone know where I can find an original replacement nipple?

Any suggestions for removing the old one without ruining anything?

Here are a few nipple photos:



(All photos enlarge with a mouse click)

As you can tell from the photos, it's been sanded and refinished at some point in it's life.

The lock's tight, the springs are good, and it's probably still shootable. I'll never actually shoot it, but I still plan on keeping it in serviceable shape.

It was made here in Pennsylvania, and it will be part of the school exhibit that I present once a year.

 

[Bountyhunter]

Is that a D Nippes musket?

This is mine. Let me know if you find a nipple, please.

 

[ian45662]

call 1-800-929-1863 it is the number to the regimental quartermaster. They should have what you are looking for and if not they will be able to tell you where to get one.

 

[Rick Davis]

Is that a D Nippes musket?

This is mine. Let me know if you find a nipple, please.

*Very* nice example, Affirmative, it's a Daniel Nippes 1847 dated. Made one county over from my house, the Mill Creek facility still stands. (details)

Will advise with source of replacement nipple, although I seriously doubt it'll be a problem. I suspect it was a standard size then, as now. Yours looks okay...it's in better shape than mine. Is it corroded beyond service?

BTW, based on your first photo, it appears your sear screw is backing out inside the lockplate.

 

[Va.Manuf.06]

What you have there is not a M1842, it is a M1840, the last of the US flintlock muskets. As a side note, some incorrectly call the M1840 the M1835. Nearly all of the M1840 muskets were converted to percussion before issue, and original flint M1840 muskets are rare plus. While developed at Harpers Ferry, the M1840 was produced only at Springfield and by two contractors, Nippes and, IIRC, Benjamin Flagg. The much more common M1842 was developed from the M1840 and is, with the exception of the lock, almost identical to the M1840.

As far a a new cone, Lodgewood Mfg. Ltd. will have originals. Try their site at:
http://www.lodgewood.com/

If you are not going to shoot the gun, I would leave it as is, the odds are you will damage the seat getting it out unless you have done the work before. Unless you are certain that you can do a good job and are set up to do the work, please leave it as is. Lodgewood can do the replacement if you really feel that it has to be done. Congratulations on finding a scarce one.

 

[Bountyhunter]

My musket has been "civilized" with cut back forearm and barrel. It was bought by early grandfather for trip from Ohio to KS along about 1868 or so. The gun was used as farm shotgun up into the 1930's. It is clean and sound, and other than the nipple being corroded it is probably shootable, however, I dont really plan on it. It has two .44 wcf cartridge heads seated in the stock, apparently in lieu of "notches" for some reason none of the family knows of.

Actually, I havent looked at the lock other than to make sure that it wasnt rusty. I will pull it again and check that screw. The inside of the lock is polished, and shiny with no rust, after 155 years. Thanks for calling my attention to it, it is a closet queen at the present.