The Model 1795 Musket represents many firsts in U.S. martial arms including the first standardized and official model of musket manufactured for the U.S. military and was based on the French "Charleville" Model 1766 muskets widely used during the American Revolution. This model saw heavy use during the War of 1812, making exceptional examples like this one incredibly difficult to find. In fact, the consignor noted this as the best known Model 1795 and indicated it is featured in James Whisker's book "The Northern Armoury: The United States Armoury at Springfield, Massachusetts 1795-1859" on page 103. Type III Model 1795s are dated from 1809 to 1814 making this an early example given it is dated "1809" on the tail of the lock and the buttplate tang. The lock has a script "US/eagle/SPRINGFIELD" at the center. The top of the barrel is stamped "US," and the left side of the barrel is stamped with "P/eagle head/V" proofs. The trigger plate is marked "RS." The stock has "J" and "J/S" marks by the trigger guard tang and a faint "US" mark on the left flat. The socket bayonet has a broad arrow mark on the blade and "I" on the collar.

Exceptionally fine and nearly as issued with only some oil staining and light patination on the "armory bright" metal surfaces. The markings remain crisp, and there are only light signs of use. The stock is also very fine and has smooth period re-oiled finish that is darker in the sheltered areas and forend, some light handling and storage marks, very faint hairline crack in the grain at the tail of the lock, and some small dings. Mechanically excellent. The bayonet is good and has moderate wear and a slight crack in the collar. This is truly one of the finest Model 1795s in existence and very well may be the very best Type III extant. One does not find U.S. Springfield 1795s as fine as this.