Muzzleldrs Model 1812 Springfield

[Bigjake528]

Thank you for the input everyone, I completely agree value is what someone values it at, I for example find that if this was a musket that was converted for use in the war by the north and then captured by the south as much more interesting than a stock 1812 in original configuration, but that is just me so perhaps this is the perfect musket for me

 

[Bigjake528]

Thanks for the information everyone, I completely agree value is what a buyer values it at. I personally find this weapon far more interesting then a completely stock one because of the story it tells and what it might have gone through, I think it is a wonder piece of history but every collector values different things, explains why I have a safe full of battle worn work horses from ww2 and no real safe queens haha

 

[letterreader]

This forum looks like the place to get some more information about an antique muzzloading, 19th century rifle I've had in the family for some time. I've attached four photos here, not the best quality light but if anyone would like a better look, I'll take some more.

The gun belonged to my dad's step-dead, a gun collector and railroad man who passed in 1962. My brother and I had a gunsmith friend and blackpowder enthusiast clean it up, cast some round balls and mini-balls (69 caliber) and we shot it several times when we were kids. Great fun!

The history of the ownership is not well known. My Dad believed it was a Civil War era musket. My thoughts: It was among the old flintlocks from the U.S. Armories that were converted to percussion. Key markings include the no. 1824 marked on top of the breech and on the end of the brass buttplate (not pictured). There is an inscription on the trigger lock I cannot make out without some cleaning and a closer look. The barrel is 41" long and the gun is right at 56". The ramrod is intack but the bayonette is missing. I think there are two sets of names or initials on the stock, one being an H.P. Proctor, and the other H.W.

So, any information will be much appreciated. Thanks for listening! sg

 

[Smokin' Joe]

This forum looks like the place to get some more information about an antique muzzloading, 19th century rifle I've had in the family for some time. I've attached four photos here, not the best quality light but if anyone would like a better look, I'll take some more.

The gun belonged to my dad's step-dead, a gun collector and railroad man who passed in 1962. My brother and I had a gunsmith friend and blackpowder enthusiast clean it up, cast some round balls and mini-balls (69 caliber) and we shot it several times when we were kids. Great fun!

The history of the ownership is not well known. My Dad believed it was a Civil War era musket. My thoughts: It was among the old flintlocks from the U.S. Armories that were converted to percussion. Key markings include the no. 1824 marked on top of the breech and on the end of the brass buttplate (not pictured). There is an inscription on the trigger lock I cannot make out without some cleaning and a closer look. The barrel is 41" long and the gun is right at 56". The ramrod is intack but the bayonette is missing. I think there are two sets of names or initials on the stock, one being an H.P. Proctor, and the other H.W.

So, any information will be much appreciated. Thanks for listening! sg

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Thats a Prussian Model 1809 "Potsdam" musket, made in Potsdam, Prussia. The lock states "Potsdam" over "GS." "1824" should be the date. There should be all sorts of "FW" marks, for Frederick Willam (english spelling). It was originally flintlock then converted to precussion in the 1830s-1840s. The yanks got these in the early war years and served the western theater. The capture of Confederate stores at Vicksburg sent these muskets to 2nd class service for the most part... These muskets are tanks! Great shooters. I've got a couple... Btw, the hammer screw is not correct and you can find a proper replacement from S&S Firearms.

 

[WJC]

What a great heirloom, @letterreader! Thanks for sharing and welcome to our little obsession! Looking forward to your perspective in our discussions! Enjoy!

 

[letterreader]

Thats a Prussian Model 1809 "Potsdam" musket, made in Potsdam, Prussia. The lock states "Potsdam" over "GS." "1824" should be the date. There should be all sorts of "FW" marks, for Frederick Willam (english spelling). It was originally flintlock then converted to precussion in the 1830s-1840s. The yanks got these in the early war years and served the western theater. The capture of Confederate stores at Vicksburg sent these muskets to 2nd class service for the most part... These muskets are tanks! Great shooters. I've got a couple... Btw, the hammer screw is not correct and you can find a proper replacement from S&S Firearms.

Thank you for your reply and the additional insight! It all makes good sense. It is heavy, but very well balanced. The distribution of weight makes lowering the gun and holding briefly to fire, not as hard as one might think. The screw was perhaps switched out when my old friend, since past, "tuned it up" for us in the late 60's. Don't recall what he said at the time, but know he most certainly would only have made changes for safety reasons. If you learn any more on this gun, feel free to share or contact me. Thanks again! sg