1808 U.S. contract muskets are described on pages 164-182 of George D. Moller's book "American Military Shoulder Arms, Volume II", with this exact musket pictured three times on page 171. The first picture caption states, "This musket was made by John Young, who delivered muskets under John Miles's 1808 U.S. contract. It is based on the Harpers Ferry pattern, and the salient differences from the muskets based on Springfield Armory patterns are: the bayonet lug is located under the barrel; the bell-style sling swivels are suspended directly from their lugs; and the trigger guard, cock, and frizzen are of different configurations." Page 175 of the book has a chart showing the number delivered by each of the contractors and indicates towards the bottom of the page that Kerlin, Young & Co. delivered a reported 275 of these muskets between 1811-1812 against the John Miles contract. Brass blade front sight located on the rear strap of the front barrel band. The left of the barrel at the breech is marked with a "V" and a raised "eagle head/CT" sunken oval proof. "I•Y" marked at the tail of the lock and an eagle and shield motif above "US" is marked at the center. "GDM" (George D. Moller) collection initials marked twice at the toe of the stock. Includes a socket bayonet and period leather sling. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Good with smooth brown patina overall, scattered light pitting, and nice lock markings. Stock is also good with scattered light scratches and dents, a chip behind the rear barrel band, a mild crack ahead of the trigger guard finial, a crack ahead of the rear lock screw, a few cracks behind the barrel tang, a crack beneath the hammer, a crack ahead of the lock, numerous chips behind the lock, and some cracks around the buttplate. Mechanically needs work, hammer will not properly release without manual assistance. Included bayonet is very good with scattered light pitting, sling is also very good with some light cracking and age related wear.