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" with this exact rifle pictured on pages 343 and its lock pictured on page 344 next to the caption, "During 1814 a lock plate with a simple point at the rear was introduced. The notch at the front of the cock's tang was deleted, and the frizzen spring was given a teardrop-shaped finial. The lock plates of Model 1803 (Type II) rifles are stamped with a somewhat smaller eagle than the (Type I), and the 'US' is within the shield covering the eagle's body. The cock's jaw screw is probably a replacement." Features include seven-groove rifling, low profile brass blade front and notch rear sights, a "wedding band" at the transition point, sunken "US" and "eagle head/P" proofs marked on the upper left barrel flat at the breech, an "eagle" containing a "US" marked shield at the center of the lock, "HARPERS/FERRY/1814" (partially faded) on the tail of the lock, brass furniture, and an iron ramrod with flared tip. "GDM" (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes tool inside the patch box. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Good as reconverted to flintlock configuration with gray patina overall, scattered moderate pitting, and some faded markings in the metal. Stock is good as sanded and re-oiled with some light scratches, slightly undersized behind the barrel, minor chips behind and forward of the lock, and a repaired section ahead of the buttplate tang and at the toe. Mechanically fine.