1816 Conversion (I think?)

[rexmerdinus]

Good morning, and thanks for approving me for the forum. I found it because I was researching my twice great grandfather's service (I have his discharge papers and GAR service medal hanging on my living room wall), but now that I'm in I also wanted to post about an old musket I picked up at an estate sale a while back.

The piece is a Springfield with the date 1832 on the lock. From what I've seen, I believe it is a percussion conversion of an 1816 (I don't know anything about Type I, II, III, etc.). First question--am I on the right track in this identification? The wood is very nice, which is what originally got my attention. There are three cartouches I can find--two on the left side and one on the bottom behind the trigger guard--and a partially readable date on the barrel tang on top. The part that the nipple screws into (bolster?) is missing a plug screw. This was actually plugged with a hex nut when I bought it, which didn't seem quite right, but also makes me think maybe the previous owner was actually firing it from time to time This is where my second question begins--the bolster doesn't seem original, but is it even period correct?

The breech of the barrel has a bit of gunk in it--is it advisable to twist out the breech plug for a good thorough cleaning? The barrel is so long that I don't have a modern cleaning rod that will go all the way down!

I'd be interested in any available information for this old beauty. Did I get a good deal at ~$500? I will post some pictures below.

 

[captaindrew]

Welcome to the Forum! You are correct, a conversion it is. At 500$ you did good I think. Some of the more knowledgeable gun guys will probably be by and tell you more about the markings.

 

[Cato3rd]

Did I get a good deal at ~$500?

For 500 greenbacks you got an awesome piece of history. I would make that deal anytime for a rifle with possible ACW provenance

 

[JOHN42768]

Welcome, enjoy

 

[plymouthairrifle]

I would add this one to my collection any day! Nice!

 

[Conquerordie]

Good deal at $500. But I agree with you, there is something off about that bolster. It does seem more modern to my eye than the gun itself.

 

[rexmerdinus]

Good deal at $500. But I agree with you, there is something off about that bolster. It does seem more modern to my eye than the gun itself.

Thanks. Any idea where I can shop for a proper one? Reproduction is OK, but original (or "period" I guess, since calling it an original part seems like the definition of wrong on a converted weapon!) would be far preferable. And, failing either of those outcomes, where I can shop for a screw to plug the hole?

 

[johan_steele]

You did well at $500, that is a period civilian screw in bolster with a clean out screw.

 

[rexmerdinus]

You did well at $500, that is a period civilian screw in bolster with a clean out screw.

Awesome, thank you!

Haven't decided yet if I'm going to keep it or not, as this is not really my era in terms of what I collect.

 

[rexmerdinus]

Now that I'm doing a little more fine-toothed research into this weapon, I am getting confused. Can anyone tell me from the photos I posted whether this is a Type I (Springfield 1816), Type II (Springfield 1822), or Type III (Springfield 1835)? I'm leaning toward Type II, but my reading suggests this one also has elements of Type III. Thanks!

 

[Old Soldier]

Good deal at $500. But I agree with you, there is something off about that bolster. It does seem more modern to my eye than the gun itself.

It is fairly typical of such conversions at the time. Many were screwed into an enlarged touch-hole and sealed with a screw or plug. The screw/plug may well be missing. This is a repro (Pedersoli) Colt conversion of a Harpers Ferry M1816

See the similarities? It depended who was doing the conversion. Here is a (real) Philidephia conversion:

Springfield conversions tended to put the nipple high on the barrel and seal the original touch-hole. Note the differences in the hammers too. (This is a real one! https://collegehillarsenal.com/outstanding-us-m-1822-28-conversion-musket )