The Model 1840 was only manufactured for a few years thanks to the adoption of the Model 1842 percussion muskets. A total of 30,421 were manufactured at Springfield Armory. Of these, 26,841 were altered to percussion c. 1849-1851 (often before they were ever issued), and others were no doubt converted at a later date. This model was also specifically intended to later be rifled and is historically significant as the last smoothbore flintlock muskets manufactured by Springfield Armory. The lock is marked "SPRING/FIELD/1840" vertically on the tail and has the federal eagle motif over "US" in front of the hammer. The barrel tang is also dated "1840". The left rear side of the barrel has "PB/P" in front of the "V/P/eagle head" proof and inspection marks. The crisp "W.A.T." cartouche on the left flat of the stock is readable, but the other is not. There are a variety of assembly numbers and letters on the various parts of the lock (mostly "7"s). There is evidence of filing around the touchhole. Includes a brass pick and brush set, socket bayonet with scabbard, and tampion.

Very good plus. The metal appears to have once been cleaned and displays light oxidation, minor pitting, some tool marks at the breech, and very crisp markings. The stock is also very good and has fairly sharp edges, some mild chipping at the butt some, general scrapes and small dents, and minor cracking at the breech, including the common tension crack at the rear lock screw. Mechanically fine. The bayonet and scabbard are very good with mottled gray and brown patina, mild flaking on the leather and aged patina on the brass. Overall a very attractive representative example of a short lived model in the correct original configuration.