The Model 1842 was the last smoothbore musket manufactured by the U.S. national armories and were made with thicker barrels on the assumption that many would eventually be rifled. About 14,182 were, with about 10,000 of those also having a long range rear sight installed. This one being from late in production, with its "1854" dated lock plate and "1855" dated barrel tang, made it an ideal candidate for receiving these upgrades. It has standard markings and features. Includes a "U.S." marked socket bayonet and sheath.

Very good as professionally restored showing mostly bright finish with light pitting. The lightly sanded and reoiled wood with minimal handling marks, a few small repairs, and some light chipping along the ramrod channel. Mechanically excellent. The bayonet is very good with showing mottled bright and grey patina. The sheath is fine with mild wear and reattached belt hook.

30,421 Model 1840 muskets were produced by Springfield Armory with more than 26,841 being converted to percussion starting in 1849. This example shows the "Belgian style" or cone style type conversion with the nipple directly in the barrel and remnants of the smoothed brass pan visible on the lockplate. This was the only conversion type performed by the national armories rather than contractors. These conversions would have seen heavy use early in the Civil War. The lockplate and barrel are both dated "1841". It has standard markings and features including two faint cartouches on the left flat and a removable collection mark on the trigger guard. Includes a "US" marked socket bayonet.

Very good, showing mostly bight finish with some scattered light pitting and a speckling of grey-brown patina on the lock. The lightly sanded and reoiled wood has some scattered minor handling marks, some light chipping along the ramrod channel, and faint cartouches. Mechanically excellent. The bayonet is fine showing a mix of bright and grey patina.