Manufactured in 1832 as a flintlock musket and subsequently converted using the "Belgian" method with a nipple threaded into a cone on the top of the barrel at the breech and the vent covered by brass added to the altered flash pan. The majority of the approximately 675,000 Model 1816 muskets were converted before the outbreak of the Civil War, and many were issued to state volunteer units during the early years of the war. The lock is marked "SPRING/FIELD/1832" vertically behind the hammer with an eagle and shield above "US" at the center, "P/eagle head/V" proofs stamped at the left of the breech, "AC 39" on top of the breech ahead of an "1832" date on the barrel tang, two oval script inspection cartouches stamped on the left stock flat, and "US" marked buttplate tang.

Exceptionally fine as arsenal refurbished, retains 90% plus brown finish with some light flaking on the balance, 75% case colors on the lock with scattered spotting, and sharp markings and edges in the metal overall. Stock is also excellent with distinct edges, a few minor storage handling marks, and exceptionally crisp cartouches. Mechanically excellent. One will look a long time to find as exceptional of an example.