Approximately 15,000 of these first contract Model 1816 muskets with 1822 improvements were manufactured by Philo and Eli Whitney Blake, nephews of Eli Whitney and under his existing U.S. contract of August 5th, 1822. Eli Whitney was originally to start delivery of his first contract of Model 1816 muskets in 1824, but suffered from illness and eventually died in January of 1825. Prior to his death, Eli's nephews had entered into a contract with him to run the factory and took over all operations. The U.S. Government extended the first delivery deadline until January of 1826. The lock with a removable brass pan is marked "U.S/P.&E.W. BLAKE." at center and "NEW HAVEN/1826" vertically behind the hammer. "1826" dated barrel tang. "U.S./J.C./P" (James Carrington, inspector) marked at the breech. Smooth, straight grip stock with ramrod. Oval script "JC" inspection cartouche marked on the left stock flat. "JA" inspector initials marked in the stock behind the lower tang. "U.S." marked buttplate tang. An "X" is carved into the right of the buttstock. "GDM" (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes a US socket bayonet marked "S/55" and a reproduction leather sling. Provenance: The George Moller Collection; Property of a Gentleman

Fine, retaining mostly bright surfaces with some scattered patches of light pitting, moderate pitting on the hammer, and crisp lock markings. Stock is very fine with attractive original raised grain, defined edges, some scattered dents and handling marks, a small hairline crack ahead of the rear lock screw, a crack ahead of the lock, a filled in circular section on either side of the buttstock, carving as mentioned above, and a crisp cartouche. Mechanically excellent. Included bayonet is very fine with crisp edges and some very light pitting.