1816 Springfield Conversion Value

[mb3]

A friend of mine has avery nice 1816 Springfield Conversion with the lock plate marked 1833, with the Belgian style conversion. The stock is in nice shape, and the bore is clean with a nice patina. The only thing that throws me on the musket is it is in 54 cal (at least thats what I was told), and I dont think its a reline. I know this is kind of a broad question, but any idea on a ball park value? I saw a few in the original .69 cal that were a asking price anywhere from $900 to $1400.

[mb3]

One more question; where these ever made in 54 cal?

[John Holland]

No, never in .54 caliber.

Maybe it isn't an 1816 at all, but perhaps an 1817 Common Rifle with a cone in barrel conversion?

I think you really need to see it yourself first hand.

JDH

[mb3]

John,
You very well could be right I guess that would make sense. The cone in barrel conversion, is that another way of saying an arsenal or Belgian conversion?

[John Holland]

Yes, the cone, aka "nipple" is screwed directly into the upper right quadrant of the barrel. I had meant to mention that the 1817 Common Rifle is .54 caliber, and has an oval iron patch box on the right hand side of the butt stock.

If you have any other questions, don't hesitate to ask.

John Holland
Small Arms Committe