New England Militia flintlock musket assembled by Rufus Perkins of Bridgewater, Massachusetts, who was known to have a large stock of leftover musket parts and components from his previous 1808 U.S. contract. Rufus Perkins' flintlock muskets are described on pages 230-232 of George D. Moller's book "American Military Shoulder Arms Volume II", with this exact musket photographed on page 231. The book states, "It is speculated that Perkins used the locks, barrels and other component parts he had on hand to fabricate muskets that he sold privately to individual members of the militia or militia companies." These New England militia muskets feature pin-fastened barrels, mostly plain brass British style furniture with a slightly curved buttplate, and side screw escutcheons of classic New England configuration. The rear of the lock is marked "RP" and a vertical arched "BRIDGWATER" (misspelled), with an eagle at center above an oval "US". "GDM" (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Very good with mottled brown patina overall with mild flash pitting. Stock is also very good with scattered scratches, cracks on either side of the forestock and ahead of the lock, a chip on the right below the barrel, and a crack running the left lower edge of the buttstock. Mechanically functions, but hammer spring is weak.