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 1810, 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 nice crisp edges. An original faint "US" cartouche can still be found on the left side lock molding, as well as additional inspector's stamps behind the trigger guard, a good indicator that this stock has never been sanded or refinished.
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 very legible; including the "1810" date stamped on the tail of the lock plate. This is one of the few model 1795s that exists in its original flint lock configuration, without ever having been converted percussion!
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 very good. The "V", "P" and "Eagle Head" stamps are crisp and legible. The barrel is full length and a bit dark with some scattered surface rust.
The furniture is all original including the ram rod; which is full length. The butt plate has a crisp "1801" stamp which matches the lock.
