The Model 1816 musket was one of the most prolific firearms in the pre-Civil War United States. Over 675,000 were manufactured at the national armories, and thousands more were manufactured by private contractors. Many of these muskets were converted to percussion, and they saw use into the Civil War era. Reportedly, Nathan Starr Jr. manufactured 15,530 Model 1816s between 1829-1840 in Middletown, Connecticut. This earlier example has the correct floral motif below the date on the lock and has mostly standard markings and features. However, while nearly all Starr muskets are reported to have had the armory bright finish, this example is one of a smaller amount made with the brown lacquer type finish typically associated with the Hall rifles of the period. "US" above a sunburst and "N. STARR" in an arch at the center of the lock, and "MIDDtn/CONN/1832" followed by a floral motif/star at the tail of the lock. "US" above "JM" (Justin Murphy) and a shielded "P" proof marked on top of the barrel at the breech ahead of the date "1832" on the barrel tang. Oval script "LS" (Luther Sage) inspection cartouche stamped on the left flat and an oval script "DT" (Daniel Tyler) inspection cartouche on the comb just ahead of the buttplate tang.

Very fine, appears to have seen no period use at all, retains 80% plus original brown lacquer finish with some scattered flaking and dark surface oxidation likely from storage on the balance, 75% plus vivid original case colors showing through scattered mild corrosion, and absolutely sharp markings and edges in the metal overall. Stock is near excellent with attractive original raised grain, a few scratches and storage marks, a few chips at the toe, a small crack ahead of the buttplate tang, distinct edges and exceptionally crisp stamps. Mechanically excellent.