Harpers Ferry Armory manufactured approximately 15,700 Type II Model 1803 rifles between 1814-1820. The U.S. Model 1803 was the first true military rifle issued by the U.S. government and was used during the War of 1812. 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. 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. Crisp "V/JS" (James Stubblefield) script inspection initials ahead of "V/MH" stamped on the left stock flat, and "B" inspection initial stamped behind the lower tang. Provenance: The Bernard Braverman Collection; The Greg Lampe Collection