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LOT 1147
Incredibly Rare Unmarked
Experimental Prototype Pattern U.S. Springfield Model 1812 Flintlock Musket with
Bayonet - NSN, 69 cal., 42 inch round bbl., bright finish, walnut stock. Springfield Model 1812 pattern
muskets are described on pages 83-84 of George D. Moller’s book “American Military Shoulder Arms Volume II”. The
LOT 1148
Exceptional Documented 1809 Dated U.S. Springfield Model 1795 Flintlock Musket with Bayonet - NSN, 69 cal., 44 7/8 bbl., bright finish, walnut stock. The Model
1795 Musket represents many firsts in U.S. martial arms including the first standardized and official model of musket manufactured for the U.S. military and was based on the French “Charleville” Model 1766 muskets widely used during the
American Revolution. This model saw heavy use during the War of 1812, making exceptional examples like this one incredibly difficult to
book states, “In 1813 Springfield Armory fabricated six pattern Model 1812 muskets... There are two known examples (this example makes three) of the Springfield Armory Model 1812 pattern muskets fabricated in 1813 that contain the design features described in contemporary correspondence. One is located in the Springfield Armory Museum [SPAR 5402], and the other is in a private collection [reference LOT 3104]. These muskets are similar to each other, and the design of their locks and barrels reflects the influence of the French Model 1777 musket. They also have a number of innovations that would be incorporated into the design and production of the Model 1812, Model 1816, and Model 1840 flintlock muskets, as well as the Model 1855 percussion rifle musket.”This unmarked musket was likely discovered after publication of Moller’s book, and would be the third known example of a Springfield Model 1812 pattern musket. It has a bayonet stud on bottom near the muzzle, brass blade front sight on the rear strap of the front barrel band, rectangular barrel band studs, unmarked outside surfaces of the lock and barrel, circled script “ET” (Elisha Toby) inspection cartouche on the left flat of the stock, and a cheek cutout on the left side of the comb. Script “D” inspection mark outside and hidden inside on various parts. “GDM” (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes US socket bayonet, leather sling, and wood tampion. CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, retaining its Armory bright finish with some light surface pitting. Stock is also excellent as re-oiled, with defined edges, some light handling marks and dents, and a crisp cartouche. Mechanically excellent. Included bayonet is very good with brown patina and some light pitting. Provenance: The George Moller Collection. Estimate: 8,500 - 13,000
find. In fact, the consignor noted this as the best known Model 1795 and indicated it is featured in James Whisker’s book “The Northern Armoury: The United States Armoury at Springfield, Massachusetts 1795-1859” on page 103. Type III Model 1795s are dated from 1809 to 1814 making this an early example given it is dated “1809” on the tail of the lock and the buttplate tang. The lock has a script “US/eagle/SPRINGFIELD” at the center. The top of the barrel is stamped “US,” and the left side of the barrel is stamped with “P/eagle head/V” proofs. The trigger plate is marked “RS.” The stock has “J” and “J/S” marks by the trigger guard tang and a faint “US” mark on the left flat. The socket bayonet has a broad arrow mark on the blade and “I” on the collar. CONDITION: Exceptionally fine and nearly as issued with only some oil staining and light patination on the “armory bright” metal surfaces. The markings remain crisp, and there are only light signs of use. The stock is also very fine and has smooth period re-oiled finish that is darker in the sheltered areas and forend, some light handling and storage marks, very faint hairline crack in the grain at the tail of the lock, and some small dings. Mechanically excellent. The bayonet is good and has moderate wear and a slight crack in the collar. This is truly one of the finest Model 1795s in existence and very well may be the very best Type III extant. One does not find U.S. Springfield 1795s as fine as this. Estimate: 8,500 - 13,000
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