This U.S. Model 1840 Flintlock Musket was manufactured by Daniel Nippes of Mill Creek, Pennsylvania in 1848 as part of two government contracts for 5600 muskets. Nippes subsequently received two contacts to convert 2000 Model 1840 flintlock muskets to percussion using the Maynard Tape Primer. This conversion uses the first style, pawl type, primer mechanism with the primer door marked: "EDWARD MAYNARD/PATENTED/1845". The musket is 'National Armory Bright' with an oil finished, black walnut stock and iron, straight shank, trumpet head, ramrod. The lock plate is stamped: "MILL/CREEK/PA/1848" in four vertical lines behind the hammer. The barrel tang is dated "1848" and the left side of the barrel is stamped with "U.S."/JCB/P" proof marks perpendicular to the bore. "H" and "JH" sub-inspector initials are stamped on the left barrel flat. Small "H" sub-inspection marks are stamped on most components. The top of the buttplate is marked "U.S.". The left stock flat is stamped with the sub-inspector's script initials "JH" and the Ordnance final inspector's script initials "WAT" with oval borders. The musket is complete with a bright-finished Model 1840 socket bayonet with "U.S." stamped on the blade.

Fine. The musket has not been cleaned and has a silver gray patina with scattered age discoloration. There is moderate flash pitting on the nipple bolster and adjacent areas of the barrel and hammer. Markings on the barrel, primer door, lock and other components are crisp. The inspection and sub-inspection marks on the left stock flat are sharp. The stock is in fine overall condition with moderate handling wear. The bayonet is in good overall condition with some scattered age discoloration and pitting. The primer is complete and functions perfectly and the musket lock is crisp. This is a fine example of a scarce D.S. Nippes Maynard Tape Primer conversion of a Nippes Model 1840 Flintlock Musket.