This is an exceptional example of an incredibly rare prototype Harpers Ferry Model 1835 flintlock musket, the predecessor to the Model 1840 flintlock musket. Page 487 of George D. Moller's book "American Military Shoulder Arms Volume II" states, "In November 1833 a musket similar in configuration to the French Model 1822 musket was selected as the basis for a proposed new musket. On November 13, 1833, the Board ordered twenty-four model muskets to be made at the national armories. These muskets were made at Harpers Ferry and were stamped on their barrels, 'Model 1835,' and on all other parts, 'U.S.M.' [possibly stands for U.S. Model] or just 'M.'... As late as 1839 it appears to have been the Ordnance Board's intent to designate the new [adopted primary issue] musket the 'Model of 1835.' However, a letter of January 22, 1840 from Chief of Ordnance Colonel Bumford to James Robb, superintendent of Springfield Armory, relayed a number of changes in the new musket. These changes had been approved by the Ordnance Board..." These recommended changes included elimination of the distinctive finger grooves seen behind the trigger guard of this example, lengthening the buttstock .7 inches, shortening the barrel .68 inches to make it an even 42 inches, changing the configuration of the ramrod, making the small lock screws only two sizes, and giving the tang and sidescrews the same size and thread. Once modified based on said recommendations, the Model 1840 would be officially adopted. Of interesting note, only Springfield would take up manufacturing of the Model 1840, while Harpers Ferry would continue to manufacture the Model 1816 until 1844, when the Model 1842 percussion musket was introduced into production. Starting behind the middle band, the forward part of the forestock has a dark appearance with a light protected wood grain beneath the front and middle bands, which is characteristic of fire exposure at Harpers Ferry Arsenal from which this musket would have been on a storage rack and rescued. Upon inspection, one can infer that this musket was likely on a gun rack facing a wall and only received indirect exposure on the upper portion. The left breech end of the barrel is “V/P/eagle head" proofed along with “No/10”, and "MODEL 1835" is marked at the top middle of the breech and tang. The lock is marked "HARPERS/FERRY/1835" at the rear, and "USM" above a shielded eagle over "US" at center. "GDM" (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes US socket bayonet, leather sling, and wood tampion. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Exceptionally fine, retaining all of the attractive armory style bright polished surfaces with crisp edges and markings, with only very light wear from socket bayonet mounting. Stock is very fine with defined edges, attractive raised wood grain, darkening from fire exposure on the forend as noted above, and minimal handling evidence. Mechanically excellent. An absolutely stunning example of a rare prototype Harpers Ferry Model 1835 flintlock musket, and likely the nicest example of the few to have survived. This is very likely a once in a lifetime opportunity to acquire this important U.S. martial long gun!