Here's an incredible early musket in wonderful condition. This original M1795 is one of roughly 7,000 muskets assembled at the Springfield Armory in 1808, meaning that it most definitely saw real service during the War of 1812. This musket is all correct and is identical to "Musket Number Three" pictured in Kent W. John's new book Springfield Armory Infantry Musket 1795-1844. What's most impressive, however, is that it survives in original, unmodified condition and hasn't been converted to percussion or sporterized like an overwhelming majority or original 1795's.
The stock is in great shape with no cracks or chips and nice crisp edges. An original "US" cartouche can still be found on the left side lock molding. There is some minor wood repair in the forestock around the rear band (see pictures #10 and #11). It appears that a previous owner of this musket installed the rear band backward at some point; damaging the forestock. Unfortunately, this is an issue that I've seen A LOT on original guns with pointed rear bands. Thankfully, someone took the time to correctly repair the stock on this musket, and the work matches the rest of the stock very well.
The lock is all original and functions well on both full and half cock. The frizzen spring is crisp. The markings on the lock plate are still very legible; including the "1808" date stamped on the tail of the lock plate.
The barrel is full length and in great condition. The touch hole is fairly large; as would be expected on an original flintlock of this age. The stamps at the breech are faint but legible. The "V and P" stamps aren't visible, but the upward-facing eagle head can still be made out. crisp and legible. The barrel is full length and the bore is in "as found" uncleaned condition.
The furniture is all original and the ramrod is full length. The butt plate has a faint "1808" stamp which matches the lock.
