Sad Old 1816 US Musket

[Major 2]

   

I was given this old sad musket ....it had been in a Stage prop room, for years ...used in Operas


I probably should have taken a before photo....but it was so ugly  , it'd make dumpster look sleek .

the stock was painted brown , the lock/hammer etc. , TG , butt plate, and barrel band was painted gold  
Only the 28" barrel was rust brown ...and bent about 10 degrees 6" from the muzzle.

A bit of dry rot under the butt plate , and a hunk of wood split out under black walnut forearm....
But it was an original 1816  , Old US musket flintlock, conversion

So, I cut the barrel to 22" , stripped & sanded the Stock ....filled the deep cuts  in the cheeks ....repaired the rot
filled and re- drilled the butt plate screw holes. Inlet a new piece of wood in the split out..... sanded, stained and Skidmore'd
the stock ....all parts were glass beaded to remove the gold paint , all parts left in the white/gray patina....
still missing the front Barrel band & one screw (butt plate) from the process,  but hope to find them.

Capt. John gave it to me , so maybe I'll try to free up the lock/seer.
It's a wall hanger, looks sorta cool in my reloading room ...from trash to deco,  no cost....except for some elbow grease....

I think I'll make it indigenous persons trade gun .

[dusty texian]

Some tacks rawhide rap and stain may be in order . ,,,DT

[Major 2]

Yeah...along this line ...

poor old piece....it deserves some dignity .....  200 years old or so ....probably served the country in some noble  incounters ....

Maybe westward expansion , converted,  maybe saw the elephant in the Southern War of independence  , collected dust in some dark corner ....surfaced to have a long Thespian career ....  
does not deserves a dumpser or dumped in the ocean ....


Examples

[Tsalagidave]

I have seen so many m1816 army muskets that were converted to percussion and later cut down to serve as a snake gun or a personal defense piece that can be wielded at very close quarters, and I never get tired of seeing them.

This is a great addition to your collection and thank you for sharing.  For the benefit of people outside our group looking at this; the m.1816 is arguably the M-1 Garand of the early 19th century.  They were just so prolific in their use for so many generations. It  began as the standard US military infantry weapon from the early expansionist era and continued its military career through the Civil War. It was also available for private purchase so it can be documented to virtually every American Old West site.  It evolved from flintlock musket to percussion lock.  Many were rifled to serve as America's first "Minie" rifles.  They were literally used up and many ended their existence as handy short barreled shot guns such as this.

Great piece.  Have you run a bore light through it?  Is is salvageable or just a wall hanger at this point?

-Dave

[Major 2]

Sewer pipe , I'm afraid ...nipple is clogged I suppose I could drill it out ....it might poof some light blanks..
beyond that it a wall hanging or prop....

It now sports rawhide for the barrel band and cheek piece .....  can't seem to find solid brass tacks,  so only brass plated  

And yep ...I typo'd   it is an 1816

[River City John]

Dixie Gun Works has brass-headed tacks. I bet Track of the Wolf does also.


RCJ

[Major 2]

I'll check DGW...TOTW's are brass color plate ...but I'll look again  

Same with Crazy Crow ...brass plate

EDIT

from DWG

MI0508 Cone Head Brass Tacks - 1/4" Diameter   $7.95


Click to enlarge
Most commonly used on tomahawk handles, but also to decorate rifles and bowls. Our tacks have a rounded, brass plated head with a steel shank for extra strength. Approximately 100 to a package.

[Tsalagidave]

Sewer pipe , I'm afraid ...nipple is clogged I suppose I could drill it out ....it might poof some light blanks..
beyond that it a wall hanging or prop....

It now sports rawhide for the barrel band and cheek piece .....  can't seem to find solid brass tacks,  so only brass plated  

And yep ...I typo'd   it is an 1816

Ahhh, rawhide and bailing wire are the duct tape of the 19th century.  Its still a nice example of a period snake blaster scare off ruffians with. It will still serve as a fine curiosity to spruce up the place.  I'm jealous.  I don't have one in the collection.

-Dave

[Major 2]

Rawhide installed

[Niederlander]

There's a full length original stock for sale on e-Bay right now.  I think he has other parts, too.

[Professor Marvel]

Nice save Major!

pf mvl

[Coffinmaker]

That nifty little wall hanger reminds of the Enfield Cavalry Carbine.  Enamored of those since Quigley Down Under.  I like short barrels.

[Coal Creek Griff]

Your sad musket can be happy now.  Nice job.

CC Griff

[Drydock]

"Oh, the places you'll go . . ."