Steven Jenks of Providence, Rhode Island, was one of nineteen gunmakers contracted to manufacture muskets authorized by an act of Congress in 1808 due to fears of war with European powers. Many of his muskets would have been rushed into use when the War of 1812 broke out with England. The "Model 1808," like earlier U.S. martial muskets, is substantively based upon the French Charleville patterns imported and widely used by the Continental Army and its French allies during the later years of the American Revolution. Jenks manufactured approximately 3,925 of these muskets based on the Harper's Ferry patterns. This example is marked "JENK'S /RI/1812" at the tail of the lock and has the eagle and laurel over "U.S." motif in front of the cock. Internal inspection of the lock plate assembly reveals a "JB" inspection mark on plate, "K" stamps on screw, tumbler and sear. There is also a oval "P/W" stamp on the barrel at the breech offset to the left. It has a three barrel bands, an integral blade front sight on the front band, sling swivels on the middle band and front trigger guard tang, a bayonet lug on the underside of the barrel near the muzzle, and includes an iron ramrod with trumpet head.

Very good plus overall. The musket displays a dark brown patina overall with some oxidation and minor pitting. There are a few scattered tool marks and dings. The stock is also very good and has a dark tone overall and various scrapes and pressure marks. The lock functions very well, and the markings remain clear. A solid original Flintlock musket!