This is a nice example of a mid production Model 1816 Type II flintlock Musket. The Model 1816 Musket was the primary infantry long arm during the Mexican War and many Muskets were converted to percussion in the 1850s. They were extensively issued by both the Federal and Confederate armies during the first two years of the Civil War. These type II muskets differ from the type I muskets in that they have a National Armory brown finish and the lower sling swivel was moved from a separate stud to the front of the trigger guard bow with lock and barrel dates from 1823-1831. This specific musket has the lock plate marked "SPRING / FIELD / 1826" in three vertical lines behind the hammer and has a crisp "eagle/ U.S." stamped beneath the detachable brass flash pan. The barrel tang is dated "1826" and the "P / Eagle Head / V" proof and inspection marks are stamped on the left side of the barrel at the breech. The hammer is stamped with the number "3" and the letter "V". The stock is the correct full length military version. The left side stock flat has a circular "PH" and "JM" cartouches with a stamped "JR" proof and a circled script "JS" behind the trigger plate. The front and rear section of the trigger plate has a small "T" and "B" sub-inspector proof and the brass side plate has a small "S" proof. The buttplate tang is marked "US" and the top of the stock ahead of the tang is stamped with a small "G" and "3". It is complete with an original steel trumpet head ramrod and "US / TA" marked bayonet with "30", "P/S" and "13" marked on the socket.

Very fine. The barrel shows remnants of a protective coating applied a number of years ago and 80% of the original brown finish remaining. The breech end of the barrel has a gray patina with moderate pitting. The buttplate has a dark patina with some pitting present. The remaining metal surfaces have a smooth dark and gray patina. The stock is also very fine with overall scattered minor dents, dings and scratches, the cartouches and inspection marks are clear and the flats have sharp edges. The otherwise fine action needs minor work, the hammer holds a half-cock, but not a full cock. The bayonet is very good with a smooth mottled silver gray patina.