This is an exceptional example of a Springfield Model 1842 musket. These muskets were manufactured by Springfield Armory and Harpers Ferry from 1844 to 1855 and have the distinctions of being the first regulation percussion firearm manufactured in a national armory. The Model 1842 also was the first firearm manufactured at the U.S. Armories at Springfield and Harpers Ferry with completely interchangeable components and the last .69 caliber, smoothbore musket issued by the U.S. Army. The Model 1842 musket was the primary infantry weapon of both the Union and Confederate Armies during the first two years of the Civil War. It was still carried in significant quantities by both armies as late as 1863 and was not fully supplanted by the .58 caliber rifle-musket at the end of the war. This particular example is a later production. The lock is marked "SPRING/FIELD/1853" behind the hammer with the eagle/shield motif over "US" ahead of the hammer. The barrel tang is dated "1853" and the left rear of the barrel is marked with the "V/P/eagle head" proof marks. There is a small "T" sub-inspector's initial on the left rear barrel flat. The musket is arsenal bright with a casehardened trigger and mounted with a full one-piece oil finished black walnut stock. The left flat is marked with a sharp oval two letter inspection cartouche, there is a sub-inspectors initial "H" on the underside behind the trigger guard finial and the buttplate tang is marked "US". Complete with the original iron trumpet head ramrod.

Excellent plus, un-issued. The metal surfaces retain the original bright, unpolished appearance and still retain some of the original storage grease in protected areas. There is some tarnishing/discoloration on the barrel. The stock is in exceptional condition retaining virtually all of the original oil finish and retains the feathered grain in the wood, and showing a few minor pressure dents, mainly concentrated ahead of the middle barrel band. The edges of the flats are sharp, as is the inspection cartouche. The markings on the lock and barrel are extremely crisp. All of the screw heads are in perfect condition. The action is tight as new. Overall this musket is in exceptional condition for a military weapon almost 160 years old. This musket is extra ordinary and would be nearly impossible to improve on.