Model 1803 "Type II" flintlock rifle manufactured between 1814 and 1815 at the U.S. Harper's Ferry Armory. The rifle has the early, 33 1/2-inch half octagon/half round barrel with iron under-rib found on "Type I" and early "Type II" rifles. The plate has the Type II rounded rear end and is stamped with the Eagle and Shield motif with "US" in the shield found on Type II rifles. The hammer has the straight, Type II, thumb spur and the frizzen spring has the simplified finial. The rifle has an oil-finished, walnut, wedge-fastened, half-stock with cheekpiece and brass buttplate, patch box, trigger guard, reinforcing band and tail pipe. Two iron ramrod pipes are fitted to barrel rib and the rifle has a trumpet shaped iron ramrod with brass tip. The barrel has a dovetail mounted brass front sight and a fixed, iron, rear sight. The left barrel flat is stamped with sunken "Eagle Head" and "P" proof and inspection marks. A script "V" and "US" final inspection mark are stamped on the left stock flat. The bottom of the trigger guard and finger spur are decorated with simple period "FOLK ART" engraving.

Good. The rifle has a deep brown age patina. The barrel and under-rib have some scattered pitting. The proof and inspection marks on the left side of the barrel are faint. The eagle and shield motif on the lock plate is clear but the Harpers Ferry marks and date on the tail of the lock plate are illegible. The brass furniture has a deep, unpolished aged patina. The stock is in very good condition with sharp edges on the cheekpiece, left flat and edges of the lock plate. The "V/US" final inspection marks on the left flat are light but legible. The lock components have an even patina and consistent wear; the rifle appears to be an expert reconversion. This is still a good example of a scarce and important U.S. flintlock rifle.