U.S. Model 1816 Musket Altered to Percussion w/Bayonet (AL7317)

This U.S. Model 1816 musket was manufactured by Springfield Armory in 1826 as a 69 caliber smoothbore flintlock musket. In 1862, it was altered to percussion by Hewes & Phillips of Newark, NJ. This musket was altered by H&P under U.S. contract as it has a large bolster without a clean-out screw, is marked on the side H&P, and is dated 1862 on top of the added breech. The 69 caliber smoothbore barrel has a good dark bore that should clean better. All the metal is bright with scattered dark staining. Several parts of the gun are stamped D D. The stock, with finish added, is good with issue dents and dings and a visible cartouche. The swivels and ramrod are present. The action functions correctly. The bayonet is good with a V on the right shank. The socket is 3" and the blade is 16". It nicely fits this musket. This is most likely an early U.S. alteration as many were rifled and sighted. Examples of these percussion altered muskets are essential for any Civil War collection as they were extensively used during the early years of the war.