The Harpers Ferry Model 1803 was the first rifle manufactured by a U.S. armory and was used during the War of 1812 and is said to have influenced the iconic Hawken rifles and other 19th century half-stock rifles used by civilians. After this model, the military returned to using full-stock rifles. It has a brass blade front sight, notch rear sight, proofs on the upper left flat at the breech of the 36 inch part octagon barrel which has seven groove rifling, eagle and "US" motif at the center of the lock, "HARPERS/FERRY/1815" on the tail of the lock (thus making it a second type of the Model 1803), inspector cartouche on the left flat, two initials by the trigger guard tang, and brass furniture.

Very good plus with mostly bright surfaces on the lock and barrel along with some mild pitting, deep aged patina on the brass, slight crack in the patch box, and general minor marks and scratches. The stock is fine and has some minor cracks primarily around the lock and breech, clearly visible markings, and light scratches and dings. The front brass barrel band is a replacement. Mechanically fine. A solid representative U.S. Model 1803 Harpers Ferry rifle.