The Model 1819 Hall Rifle was the first breech loading weapon adopted as a regulation weapon and the first firearm successfully produced with completely interchangeable parts. Fifteen of these rifles were given to Americans who fought in the War of 1812 by an Act of Congress making them the only firearm presented by Congress in place of traditional medals or citations. The rifle was designed by John Hancock Hall and patented on May 21, 1811. It was adopted by the U.S. Army in 1819. Hall rifles were used in the Mexican War and saw limited service in the Civil War. The breech loading mechanism substantially improved firing rates. During trials, a company of thirty-eight men fired at their own rates with the Hall rifles along with smoothbore muskets and muzzle loading rifles. The Hall rifles allowed for a 30% increase in shots fired over the muskets and an impressive 59% increase over the muzzle loading rifles. They also proved more accurate at 100 yards with a 3% increase in accuracy over the muzzle loading rifles. This example was manufactured at the U.S. Harpers Ferry Armory in 1838. This third production type rifle has a casehardened breechblock stamped "J.H. HALL/H. FERRY/U.S./1838". It has the distinctive break lever protruding through the bottom of the stock ahead of the trigger guard which itself has a distinguishing extension. The oil finished, full length, walnut stock has three pin fastened barrel bands and a flat, iron buttplate. The rifle has an iron, button head cleaning rod.

Excellent plus as issued. The rifle retains 97% plus original brown finish. The breechblock retains nearly all of the original case colors in the protected areas and has otherwise have aged to a smooth dark gray. The wood is also excellent with a few minor handling marks. Mechanically excellent. All around, this rifle an outstanding example of a Model 1819.