D.S. NIPPES CONVERSION
D.S. Nippes received two contracts each for the conversion of 1,000 U.S. Model 1835/1840 muskets. Nippes alteration built on the principal of the Maynard tape primer but could also be manually primed with a single conversion. Markings encountered on Nippes conversions include, “EDWARD MAYNARD / PATENTEE / 1845” and “MAYNARD’S PATENT / WASHINGTON / 1845”.
| GOOD–$2,100 | FINE–$4,000 |
The “Type II” Maynard conversion was not sighted. Rock Island Auction Company
WARD TAPE PRIMER
The Ward system incorporated a swivel door on the upper section of the hammer. This covered the receptacle for a roll of tape primers. An internal mechanism fed the tape over the nipple when the user cocked the hammer. Ward conversions are found on U.S. Model 1816 (and even earlier Model 1812) muskets. The right side of the hammer is marked “J.N. WARD. U.S.A. / PATENTED JULY 1, 1856.” Although the total quantity produced is unknown, the State of New York contracted for 1,200 conversions in 1857.
| GOOD–$2,500 | FINE–$4,750 |
James D. Julia Auctioneers, Fairfield, Maine
PRUSSIAN MODEL 1809 MUSKET, .71 OR .72 CALIBER, PAPER CARTRIDGE, PERCUSSION
Rock Island Auction Company
Made by several different private gun manufactories, ca. 1809-1839 Total imported: Unknown, but at least 100,000.
Overall length: 56-1/2".
Muzzleloader, single shot.
Lock plates stamped either “Potsdam”, “Saarn”, “Neiße”, or “Suhl” beneath a Prussian crown. The large number of imports bearing the Potsdam stamp give the weapon its common designation. The year of conversion to percussion will often be found stamped on the left side of the barrel as will “[crown] / FW.” Butt plates exhibit an array of markings including the year of conversion from flint, rack number, and regimental designation.
Originally produced as a flintlock, smooth-bore musket, the Model 1809 was converted to percussion before being replaced by the Model 1839 rifled musket. All steel parts were left bright. The U.S. Ordnance Department purchased 100,300 Prussian arms identified as “smooth bore.” There are no known records of Confederate purchases.
Rock Island Auction Company
| GOOD–$350 | FINE–$900 |
U.S. MODEL 1841 CADET MUSKET .57 CALIBER, PAPER CARTRIDGE, PERCUSSION
James D. Julia Auctioneers, Fairfield, Maine
Manufactured by Springfield Armory, Springfield, Massachusetts, 1844–45. Total production: 450.
Muzzleloader, single shot.
Eagle over “US” on lock plate to front of hammer; “SPRING / FIELD / [year] vertically on lock plate to rear of hammer; “V / P / [eagle head]” on barrel.
This musket was intended for use by the Corps of Cadets at the U.S. Military Academy and was in service through 1856. Although it had a 40" round barrel secured to the stock with three iron bands, there is evidence that there were also three-band examples with 31" and 34" barrels. All metal parts were browned, except the casehardened lock. The bayonet stud was on the underside of the muzzle; there was no rear sight. Sling swivels were on the center band and front of the trigger guard bow.
| GOOD–$6,500 | FINE–$18,000 |
James D. Julia Auctioneers, Fairfield, Maine
U.S. MODEL 1842 MUSKET, HARPERS FERRY ARMORY, .69 CALIBER, PAPER CARTRIDGE, PERCUSSION
James D. Julia Auctioneers, Fairfield, Maine
Manufactured by Harpers Ferry Armory, Harper’s Ferry, Virginia (now West Virginia), 1843–55. Total production: approximately 103,000.
Overall length: 57-13/16". Weight: 9 lbs. 3 oz.
Muzzleloader, single shot.
Eagle over “US” on lock plate in front of hammer; “HARPERS / FERRY / [year]” vertically on lock plate to rear of hammer; “V / P / [eagle head]” proof mark on left side of barrel near breech; inspector’s initials forward of proof marks on some examples; “US” on tang of butt stock.
With the exception of the armory markings on the lock plate, the U.S. Model 1842 Muskets originating from Harpers Ferry Armory were virtually identical to those manufactured at the Springfield Armory. In addition, the musket parts from both armories were interchangeable. A variant of the U.S. Model 1842 Musket was the 3,200 reported to have been altered with shortened, rifled barrels and long-range rear sights for an expedition by John Charles Frémont in 1847. These rifled muskets had 33" barrels and an overall length of 48-1/2".
| GOOD–$950 | FINE–$2,750 |
U.S. MODEL 1842 MUSKET, SPRINGFIELD ARMORY, .69 CALIBER, PAPER CARTRIDGE, PERCUSSION
Rock Island Auction Company
Manufactured by Springfield Armory, Springfield, Massachusetts, 1844–55. Total production: approximately 172,000.
Overall length: 57-13/16". Weight: 9 lbs. 3 oz.
Muzzleloader, single shot.
Eagle over “US” on lock plate in front of hammer; “SPRING / FIELD / [year]” vertically on lock plate to rear of hammer; “V / P / [eagle head]” proof mark on left side of barrel near breech; inspector’s initials forward of proof marks on some examples; “US” on tang of butt plate.
The U.S. Model 1842 musket was the first regulation percussion firearm and the last .69-caliber musket to be manufactured in U.S. armories. They were used in large numbers in the Mexican War and in the early months of the Civil War. They featured all-iron furniture, finished bright; a flat lock plate with beveled edges; 42" bright barrel fastened to the 55” black walnut stock with three barrel bands, the center of which held