This is an as issued example of the Springfield Model 1842 musket. This model has the distinction of being the first regulation percussion firearm manufactured at the national armories, the last smoothbore U.S. martial arm in .69 caliber, and the first U.S. firearm manufactured with fully interchangeable components. The Model 1842 musket was one of the primary infantry weapon of both the Union and Confederate forces especially during the first two years of the Civil War. This example has a lock marked "SPRING/FIELD/1853" behind the hammer with the "eagle/shield motif" over "US" ahead of the hammer. The barrel tang is also dated "1853", and the left rear of the barrel is marked with the "V/P/eagle head" proofmarks. The musket has an arsenal bright metal finish overall and is fitted with an oil finished walnut stock held by three barrel bands including a double front band with brass sight blade. Sling swivels are mounted to the central band and front of the trigger guard. The left flat is marked with a single "JAS" cartouche in a small oval. The buttplate tang is marked "US", and this excellent musket is complete with an original trumpet head iron ramrod and a "U.S." marked socket bayonet.