Lot 3236: Springfield U.S. Model 1842 Percussion Musket

The Model 1842 was the first firearms manufactured at both Springfield and Harpers Ferry with totally interchangeable components. It was also the last of the U.S. martial smoothbore muskets and was specifically manufactured with a thicker barrel in anticipation of the fact that many would later be rifled. This very fine Model 1842 is dated "1846" behind "SPRING/FIELD" vertically at the rear of the lock and on the barrel tang. It has the standard "eagle/US" on the center of the lock and government proof and view marks on the upper left at the breech. The left flat has a "JAS" cartouche. It comes with a socket bayonet with a leather scabbard and hanger.

Excellent plus, as issued, with some light spotting and oil residue on the otherwise bright steel surfaces along with some light marks and scratches. The excellent wood has crisp edges, a distinct cartouche, and some minor storage type marks. The bayonet and scabbard are fine with moderate storage wear including mild oxidation. Mechanically excellent. This is one of the nicest Model 1842s we have seen in a while. These muskets generally saw hard use, and many were altered, making surviving example is high original condition particularly desirable.