These late Model 1803 flintlock rifles are often erroneously called Model 1814. They were made to fill the needs of the War of 1812 and approximately 1,600 were made in 1814 before the barrels were lengthened to 36" in 1815 for the rest of production. These rifles were almost identical to the earlier production with only the eagle marking on the lock being different. Marked "HARPERS / FERRY / 1814" vertically at the rear of the lock plate with an eagle with a shield on its breast ahead of the hammer. The shield is larger and the "US" normally found there is not visible. The left rear barrel flat is marked with a recessed "S ?" and "eagle head / P". There is a "L G" marked on the forearm band and on the buttplate tang. Brass trigger guard, band around the forend, patch box and buttplate. The lock has an integral forged iron flash pan with fence at the rear. Fixed iron sights on the barrel and distinctive rib under the barrel with two iron ferrules. Steel ram rod with a brass tip. Walnut half stock secured by a single sliding key with a small cheek piece, ball extractor and brass patch box on the right side of the stock. There is a push button on the buttplate tang that releases the patch box latch. The underside in front of the trigger guard is stamped "1ST BATTN (there were a number of infantry and mechanized 1st Battalions during the War of 1812). The Model 1803 was one of the key martial longarms and was the only muzzle loading flintlock rifle produced by either of the U.S. national armories. It was the first of the U.S. regulation rifles and it saw extensive use in the War of 1812.

Very fine. The barrel, rib and ferrules have a smooth brownish (partially refinished) patina showing some signs of cleaning. The remaining iron parts have a dark patina with minor pitting on the lock. The barrel shows little flash pitting. The brass has a dark aged patina. The stock is very good with a small gouge on the left side in front of the flat, a few minor pressure dents on the cheek piece and overall scattered minor dings and dents. There are three minor cracks in the left side flat. The stock does remain solid. Except noted above, the markings are readable. The action is excellent.