Harpers Ferry Arsenal Markings

[rebracer]

I have been trying to find a concise list of known Harpers Ferry inspection marks and cartouches. I know that typically the "JAS" and the "AR" are common and I am aware of what these initials mean, but there are differences on how these marks appear and I am having trouble finding clear information on this. I have searched these forums before asking this.

Anyone have some guidance on this?

edit - I am aware of this book Harpers Ferry Arsenal and Joseph Perkin and plan to get it, but I am looking for something in list form if it exists.

 

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In addition if any of you have read or own the book mentioned above does it cover the M1816 all the way up through Type III? This book apears to be heavy on the pistols and early muskets. I dont want to spend $70 on it if it is only the early models.

 

[johan_steele]

I have been trying to find a concise list of known Harpers Ferry inspection marks and cartouches. I know that tyically the "JAS" and the "AR" are common and I am aware of what these initials mean, but there are differences on how these marks appear and I am having trouble finding clear information on this. I have searched these forums before asking this.

Anyone have some guidance on this?

edit - I am aware of this book Harpers Ferry Arsenal and Joseph Perkin and plan to get it, but I am looking for something in list form if it exists.

Past the book you're referencing I'm unaware of any speciifc list. So paging the experts @ucvrelics & @Lanyard Puller

 

[Craig L Barry]

A fellow with whom I have shared research over the years (M Roe Smith) wrote this on Harpers Ferry Armory back in the day. It may have some of the information you want, but I don't believe it is in list form:

Harpers Ferry Armory and the New Technology: The Challenge of Change: Smith, Merritt Roe: 9780801491818: Amazon.com: Books

Harpers Ferry Armory and the New Technology: The Challenge of Change [Smith, Merritt Roe] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Harpers Ferry Armory and the New Technology: The Challenge of Change

www.amazon.com

 

[UCVRelics]

I have been trying to find a concise list of known Harpers Ferry inspection marks and cartouches. I know that tyically the "JAS" and the "AR" are common and I am aware of what these initials mean, but there are differences on how these marks appear and I am having trouble finding clear information on this. I have searched these forums before asking this.

Anyone have some guidance on this?

edit - I am aware of this book Harpers Ferry Arsenal and Joseph Perkin and plan to get it, but I am looking for something in list form if it exists.

Are you looking for specific weapon. @Craig L Barry will have a lot on this. I do have a list of all US inspectors.

 

[rebracer]

Thank you all for the information. I am just starting to learn about the intricacies of Harpers Ferry made arms.

What I am doing is just trying to nail down the markings on my 1816 conversion and get some more information. For example I had always seen the script JAS cartouche, but my musket has printed capital JAS letters on the stock. I was looking for some information to see when the specific marking styles were done.

I also have a CK behind the trigger guard I have never seen before.

 

[rebracer]

A fellow with whom I have shared research over the years (M Roe Smith) wrote this on Harpers Ferry Armory back in the day. It may have some of the information you want, but I don't believe it is in list form:

Harpers Ferry Armory and the New Technology: The Challenge of Change: Smith, Merritt Roe: 9780801491818: Amazon.com: Books

Harpers Ferry Armory and the New Technology: The Challenge of Change [Smith, Merritt Roe] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Harpers Ferry Armory and the New Technology: The Challenge of Change

www.amazon.com

This is good to know I was looking at this book to buy today.

Edit - I just bought a copy, thanks

 

[UCVRelics]

Thank you all for the information. I am just starting to learn about the intricacies of Harpers Ferry made arms.

What I am doing is just trying to nail down the markings on my 1816 conversion and get some more information. For example I had always seen the script JAS cartouche, but my musket has printed capital JAS letters on the stock. I was looking for some information to see when the specific marking styles were done.

I also have a CK behind the trigger guard I have never seen before.

Photos would help but I can tell you the JAS letter only stamp is earlier the the oval cartouche. Here is a list of all US inspectors and JAS is listed as just JS in this. Also a great write up that @Craig L Barry had posted some years back that I saved.

 

[rebracer]

Photos would help but I can tell the JAS letter only stamp is earlier the the oval cartouche

That's what I thought but this is an 1839 type III, granted that's the date on the lock, but it certainly has been together for a very long time. The AR is over a V on the stock not over a P as I have seen before

The markings on the barrel are sort of unique as well.

I will just be getting into disassembling and cleaning it this weekend so I'll photo some things in a few days. I will see what's hidden inside.

 

[rebracer]

Photos would help but I can tell you the JAS letter only stamp is earlier the the oval cartouche. Here is a list of all US inspectors and JAS is listed as just JS in this. Also a great write up that @Craig L Barry had posted some years back that I saved.

View attachment 462162

So after careful disassembly and gentle cleaning all of the parts on my conversion musket match and as stated above the lock is dated 1839. As you can see the JAS is not the newer script and the AR is over a V not a P. The musket is marked everywhere with 'V" and "6" (could also be "9").