Harpers Ferry Armory manufactured approximately 15,700 Type II Model 1803 rifles between 1814-1820. The U.S. Model 1803 was the first truly military rifle issued by the U.S. government. Prior rifles were basically civilian American long rifles purchased from gunmakers, but this model was designed and manufactured at the Harper's Ferry Arsenal. It is also distinct from the rifles that followed thanks to its half-stock configuration and under-rib on the barrel. Altogether they are unique and historically significant U.S. martial arms. Model 1803 Type II Harpers Ferry rifles are described on pages 341-346 of George D. Moller's book "American Military Shoulder Arms Volume II" in which it states, "In accordance with a February 8, 1815, act of Congress, Chief of Ordnance Colonel Decius Wadsworth wrote Secretary of War A. J. Dallas on June 10, 1815, with his recommendations for improvements for small arms. Item 2 of these recommendations concerning the Model 1803 rifle included lengthening the barrel 'from 33 inches to three feet exactly,' in order to more effectively burn the service charge of 100 grains of black powder." Features include seven-groove rifling, low profile brass blade front and notch rear sights, a "wedding band" at the transition point, sunken "eagle head/P" and "US" proofs behind a number "1" marked on the upper left barrel flat at the breech, "eagle/US" at the center of the lock, "HARPERS/FERRY/1819" on the tail of the lock, "JS" and "P" inside the lock, brass furniture, iron ramrod with flared tip, oval script "AT" cartouche on the left stock flat, and a vent pick inside the patch box. "GDM" (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Very good as professionally reconverted to flintlock configuration with mottled dark patina on the lock and barrel, some mild flash pitting, pleasing patina on the brass fittings, and general minor marks and scratches. Stock is also very good as refinished with mostly visible markings, numerous scattered light scratches and dents, cracks visible including one on the right ahead of the barrel wedge, one ahead of the lock (re-glued section), two ahead of and above the side plate, and on the lower left of the buttplate. Mechanically fine. A solid representative of a U.S. Model 1803 Harpers Ferry rifle!