Lot 177: William & Hugh Shannon Contract U.S. 1808 Flintlock Musket

Though they were contracted for 4,000 Model 1808 muskets, only 1,100 were delivered by William and Hugh Shannon of Philadelphia. 18 other contractors also produced these muskets with multiple variations allowing a dedicated collector a large number of muskets to acquire to assemble a complete 1808 contract collection. These muskets are based upon the Model 1795 muskets produced at the Springfield and Harpers Ferry arsenals which themselves also have distinct variations and were used throughout North America in various 19th century conflicts including the Civil War. It has the standard lock markings, barrel tang marked "V", barrel marked "US", "eagle head/CT" proof and "V", sling swivels holding a modern leather sling, faint cartouche on the stock flat, and "GDM" (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at stock toe. The non-fitting bayonet is marked "JBUS." Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Good. The metal surfaces have a brown-gray appearance with tool-like marks on the breech end of the barrel and flash type pitting. The stock is also good with a couple stress cracks and minor handling marks. Bayonet is fair with pitting. Mechanically needs work.