Need Help: What do I have???

[remington1858]

Gents,

I picked up this musket recently. Can someone on the forum help me identify it?

Thanks,
Wes

[John Holland]

Wes - You have a very nice M-1840 that has been altered to percussion in the H&P type configuration using a chambered breech. I don't see any "H&P" markinhgs on it, so the next question is: Are there numbers stamped on top of the edge flat on top of the lock plate in front of the bolster? If so, then it is what everyone calls the "Frankfort Arsenal" alteration. It should be .69 caliber and smooth bored.

JDH

[B-Davis]

I could most definitle be wrong, but looks like a rifled Pomeroy conversion. Is it rifled?

[remington1858]

Wes - You have a very nice M-1816 that has been altered to percussion in the H&P type configuration using a chambered breech. I don't see any "H&P" markings on it, so the next question is: Are there numbers stamped on top of the edge flat on top of the lock plate in front of the bolster? If so, then it is what everyone calls the "Frankfort Arsenal" alteration. It should be .69 caliber and smooth bored.

JDH


I could most definitle be wrong, but looks like a rifled Pomeroy conversion. Is it rifled?

It has numbers on the top flat edge of the lock plate and it is rifled 3 groove .69 cal.

[Curt]

Hallo!

I am going with a Hewes & Phillips conversion (so-called Type II) (rifled and sighted) of a L. Pomeroy made M1840.

Let's see if this works:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y104/Michael1787/Lock20120of201_zps9qtwghqm.jpg (http://s4.photobucket.com/user/Michael1787/media/Lock20120of201_zps9qtwghqm.jpg.html)

Curt

[John Holland]

Thank you! That is the first documented rifled musket I have seen in that configuration! I will say the alteration was not done by Pomeroy.
JDH

[Curt]

Hi!

I have changed my mind..... :)

From what I can see the lack of H & P typical markings, more "tear drop" shaped hammer, the non reversed "1858" M1855 rear sight, and the more curved nipple bolster..I am going with a J. Hitchcock U.S. Contract chambered breech alteration based on a Pomeroy made M1840 musket.

Curt

[M Fleet]

I do not believe it is a 1816 model. It has the side plate and buttplate more in line with an 1835/1840 model musket. I can not be certain by the angle of the pictures but I do not see the pin holding the trigger like the 1816 models. Just my opinion.

Mark Fleet
5th Va. Vol. Inf.

[ian45662]

Whatever it is it looks to be in fantastic shape!!!! Have you shot it yet? I bet it is a great shooter

[remington1858]

Whatever it is it looks to be in fantastic shape!!!! Have you shot it yet? I bet it is a great shooter

Thanks, the bore is strong but rough in spots. Needs to be cleaned before I can really tell. It has what looks to be dried linseed oil or greese built up.

[John Holland]

Thanks Mark Fleet, of course it is the Model 1840! I will now go back and correct my text......Sheesh!

[Eggman]

Have no fear John. Most N-SSAers now shoot smoothbores without a rear sight, so we're all well versed in the challenges of trying to hit a target with only partial information.

[MarkTK36thIL]

Were all of the Hitchcock contract alterations rifled, or were some even smoothbore?

[R. McAuley 3014V]

Any alpha-numeric code on the underside of the barrel? Or matching numerals on the bands and parts?

[gmkmd]

I love rifled and sighted conversions of smoothbores. And their big-bore rifled progeny.