This exceptional rifle is one of 3,000 manufactured by brothers Robert and John D. Johnson in Middletown, Connecticut, in 1823-1827. Robert Johnson previously manufactured another 5,000 Model 1817s c.1821-1823 and had been contracted to manufacture the similar Model 1814 rifles during the War of 1812. The rifles manufactured by the Johnson brothers under contract are rarer than those manufactured by other contractors. For example, Henry Deringer of Philadelphia, famous for his civilian pocket pistols, manufactured 13,000 of these rifles. They differ from the Model 1814 by having longer round barrels, more traditional band springs, and different trigger guards. The Model 1817 was called the "Common Rifle" in the period to differentiate it from the Model 1819 Hall rifles which were unusual breechloaders. The Model 1817 was still far from common given most militaries were still using smoothbore muskets that were suited to rapid volley fire in line battles. Rifles were better suited to skirmishing and defending forts. The design draws influences from both the military muskets of the day (the barrel bands for example) and civilian rifles like the famous American long rifles (patch box and stock design). These arms would have been issued to Army and militia units protecting settlers in the Midwest and West, during the Mexican-American War, and the Civil War, particularly in the South and West. Though outdated by the time of the Civil War, the Model 1817 rifles converted to the percussion system were certainly serviceable arms and were likely preferred by soldiers over smoothbore arms. The fact that these arms were used up to and through the Civil War and that many were converted makes original examples in high condition like this very desirable. They are arguably the most attractive of the American flintlock martial long guns. This rifle was manufactured in 1825 and has the standard seven-groove rifling, low profile blade and notch sights, "US/P/JW" and "I" on top in the breech section, "JW" repeated on the left barrel flat at the breech, and the upper tang is dated "1825." The lock has a brass pan, "U.S./R. & J.D. JOHNSON" at center, "1825/MIDDN CONN" on the tail, and "16" repeated on the back side of most of the various sub-components as well as "EB" on the inside of the plate. The screws elsewhere have "0" markings on the heads. The distinctive oval patch box contains a worm and a curved screwdriver. The stock has a "JW" cartouche and a smaller "JW" stamp. The buttplate has "US" on the tang. Sling swivels are on the middle barrel band and the trigger guard extension.

Excellent, as issued, with 95% plus original brown finish, crisp gray case colors on the lock, attractively aged patina on the excellent brass, mostly bright silver-gray on the balance, some slight age and storage related wear, and light scratches and marks. The frizzen does not show strike marks. The stock is likewise excellent and has smooth oiled finish, distinct markings, some nice figure in the forend, and mild scrapes and dings appropriate for a rifle that spent many years in an arsenal but was not used. Mechanically excellent. This Model 1817 would be nearly impossible to improve upon and is essentially in as-issued condition. If you've been looking for an early U.S. martial rifle as it was when it was issued to the troops, this one certainly fits the bill!