The U.S. Model 1803 was the first true military rifle issued by the U.S. government and was manufactured by the government arsenal at Harpers Ferry. Previously, the government had purchased American long rifles in smaller quantities from civilian gunmakers. The Model 1803 is also distinct from the rifles that preceded it and followed it thanks to its half-stock configuration and under-rib on the barrel similar to some of the English sporting rifles of the period. Many regard them as the most attractive rifles ever manufactured for the U.S. military. Rifles and experienced riflemen had been shown to be effective in both frontier "irregular" warfare and as light infantry skirmishers in more traditional linear warfare. These Model 1803 rifles saw use on the frontier and during the War of 1812, including by the 1st U.S. Regiment of Rifles. This rifle is an early Type I Model 1803. This variation was manufactured in 1804-1807 and limited to around 3,914-4,105 rifles per the second volume of George Moller's study of American military shoulder arms. It has seven groove rifling, low profile blade and notch sights, a "wedding band" at the transition point, the sunken "eagle head/P" and "US" proofs and "1895" on the upper left barrel flat at the breech, "eagle/US" at the center of the lock, "HARPERS/FERRY/1805" on the tail of the lock, a "V" inside the lock, brass furniture, an iron ramrod with flared tip, traces of a cartouche on the left stock flat, a cheek rest with an incised line border, and the model's distinctive patchbox with an iron release button in the buttplate tang.

Very good as professionally reconverted to flintlock with light gray and brown patina on the barrel, dark brown and gray patina on the lock, mild pitting, aged patina on the brass, generally distinct markings, and mild overall wear. The refinished stock is also very good and has some gaps and filler at the barrel tang, mild scrapes and dings, and smooth oiled finish. Mechanically fine. This is a very attractive representative example of the iconic U.S. Model 1803 rifle!