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U.S. M1803 HARPERS FERRY FLINTLOCK RIFLE.

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:1,250.00 USD Estimated At:2,500.00 - 3,500.00 USD
U.S. M1803 HARPERS FERRY FLINTLOCK RIFLE.

Cal. 54. NSN. Octagon to round bbl. measures 36 1/8" and features a blade front sight and an open type rear sight. Barrel is proofed on the left facet with an eagle over "P" and "US", both in an oval. Lock shows an eagle in front of the cock and "HARPERS FERRY 1816" to the rear of the cock. Brass trigger guard, buttplate, patchbox, side plate, band and entry thimbles. There are 2 iron ramrod thimbles below the rail housing an iron ramrod. Stock appears to have an inspector / arsenal mark to the rear of the side plate flat. This gun was produced in 2 generations. The first was from 1803 to 1807 with a production of 4,023 rifles. The second was from 1814-1820 with a production of 15,703 rifles. The original 33" barrel was increased to 36" in 1815 and the stock was proportionally lengthened. The M1803 was the only muzzleloading flintlock rifle produced at either Harpers Ferry or Springfield. CONDITION: barrel has a medium to dark gray overall patina. Proofs are clear although there are noticeable vise marks on the octagon section of the barrel. Lock is mechanically sound and holds both full and half cock. Brass has a deep, rich, mustard patina and the patchbox functions properly. Stock seems to have a few epoxy repairs around the wrist which may have been damaged during the useful life of the gun. There is a straight epoxy line about 1/8" wide at the wrist that gives the impression of a duffle cut. There is also a 3" tight crack near the sideplate. Standard 7 groove rifling remains sharp but bore is quite dirty. PROVENANCE: from the Collection of Rick Hudak, author of, "Harpers Ferry Arsenal and Joseph Perkin". (01-20970/BF). $2,500-3,500.