This musket was apparently assembled from parts on hand, possibly during the weapon shortages at the beginning of the Civil War in the rush to arm both Union and Confederate troops. The smoothbore barrel has a bayonet lug on the bottom near the muzzle, "AR/P" and "V/P/eagle head" proofs at the breech, and "1849" on the tang. The front of the upper barrel band has a brass blade front sight. The lock has the eagle motif over "US" at the center and "HARPERS/FERRY/1851" on the tail. The trigger guard is off an imported musket and has "crown/DH" on the finial, "34" on the front screw,"4/211" inside the bow, and two circled "H" stamps and "23" on the tang. Provenance: The John Fox Collection

Fine with light gray patina, mild pitting, and general mild overall wear. The stock is also fine an has some minor chips and wear concentrated on the upper section of the forend, thin crack at the rear lock screw, and minor dings and scratches. Mechanically fine.