New to me Harpers Ferry flintlock

[Macman]

I am fortunate enough to have just received delivery of what was touted as an M1795 type II Harpers Ferry flint lock musket made in 1817. Type II because of the location of the bayonet lug on the top of the muzzle. It's in excellent condition as the pictures show. As the specs of the early muskets are vague I am interested in the forums opinion of the exact model that I have.

Also on scoping the barrel I've discovered what appears to be a seam that runs the full length of the barrel. Is this due to the manufacturing or is it a flaw that would cause a weakness that would prelude firing of the musket?

Lastly, you'll notice that there is no flint included on the cock. I've ordered several 7/8 x 1 inch French amber flints from TOW. They will not arrive until next week. Did I make the right selection?

 

[Grayrock Volunteer]

It is a type IV based on the production date, location of the band springs, and what I assume is a nominally 42 inch barrel. I don't believe the groove in the barrel is the result of any defect in the manufacturing process. If it was, the barrel would have been rejected even if it managed to survive its proving.
If you are interested in American flintlock arms I would suggest you pick up a copy of George Moller's "American Military Shoulder Arms, volume II" or "US Military Flintlock Muskets and their Bayonets, volumes I and II" by Peter Schmidt.

Solid looking gun.

 

[Macman]

Thanks for the info. It is a 42 inch barrel so I'll assume a M1795 type IV.

Just ordered "US Military Flintlock Muskets and their Bayonets",Volume 1.

 

[hanshi]

That's a nice musket in surprisingly excellent shape. I agree that the groove isn't a defect and won't cause any problems. Congratulations.