I see some more good posts, but here's the more detail info I promised. In 1807, Springfield armory was given orders to make 1000 small muskets for the Department of Indian Affairs. In all 1,202 were completed between 1808-1810. Very few were ever issued out to Indians. In 1814, an unknown number of these were sent to West Point for cadet use. They were fit with sling swivels. In 1830, then again in 1832, more were sent to West Point totalling 321. These, too, were fitted with swivels and also fitted with bayonets. The first 2 1/2" of the stock was cut off for the bayonets to fit. Some of these were sold to the state of South Carolina that same year. The remaining lots still in storage were condemned(obsolete) and sold at public aution some time between 1848-1850. This is the point where they entered civilian use. These would have still been in their original flintlock configuration. Yours appears to be one of these with the exception of the percussion alteration. Original specs, bear in mind these are hand made, there will be slight variations. Overall lenth: 48 1/2", barrel: 33-33 1/2", cal: .530-.540, smoothbore. Round tapered barrel brass front sight only, marked as yours is, finish browned, tang 2 3/8", lock 5 9/16"-5 3/4" originally as flint, case hardened, heat blued screws inside of lock stamped with lock filers name. Stock -walnut original finish unkown. Furniture: cast brass. Trigger guard should measure out at 8 1/2" apx. and is held by pins. Ramrod: hickory with horn tip and permanently attached iron worm or ball puller. This is a rare and historical piece. If I could recommend, leave it as is. As for the load in the barrel, there are several options, we'll save them for another post. Thanks for sharing this wonderfull relic. It brightened up a cold Monday. GS
Referances: US Military Firearms by Major James E.Hicks, American Military Shoulder Armsby by George D.Moller, United States Martial Flintlocks by Robert M. Reilly
