Guns International #: 102081932
Seller's Inventory #: 217026

Category - Antique Rifles - 1500-1850 - Civil War Rifles

Category
Antique Rifles - 1500-1850
Civil War Rifles

NEW JERSEY Hewes & Phillips SPRINGFIELD Model 1816 RIFLE-MUSKET .69 Antique Elaborate Flintlock to Percussion Conversion of M1816!

Description:
NEW JERSEY Hewes & Phillips SPRINGFIELD Model 1816 RIFLE-MUSKET .69 Antique

Elaborate Flintlock to Percussion Conversion of M1816!

Here we present an antique Springfield U.S. Model 1816 Percussion Musket, manufactured in Springfield, Massachusetts circa 1830 and converted to percussion for the New Jersey Militia by Hewes and Phillips circa 1861 for use during the American Civil War.

Hewes and Phillips began their business in the manufacture of steam engines in New York City in 1845 and transferred to Newark, New Jersey, the following year. After two more moves the company was settled in its Civil War location at the foot of Orange Street, facing the Passaic River. Here the muskets were converted, and some 400 hands were employed. So far, no actual contracts for the war work have been uncovered, but library sources state their first order was the 8,000 converted muskets for the New Jersey Militia. These are known dated 1861. Hewes and Phillips were known to convert many muskets for other state militias using the “Bolster” conversion method. The musket work was done concurrently with that of producing motive steam machinery for the Federal Navy.

While many M1816 flintlock muskets saw conversion to percussion in the Civil War period, almost no other saw the level of update this musket received. The flash pan and frizzen were removed from the lock and all the holes filled and ground down flush with the face. You will notice that the markings were also slightly effaced in the process. A very large bolster was welded to the barrel and a percussion nipple threaded in. A percussion hammer that is unique to this model was installed. The barrel was rifled. A new front barrel band replaced the old so that there was a good front sight for the rifle and a mutli-leaf sight was installed at the rear. A bayonet lug was installed on the top near the muzzle. Hewes & Philips numbered their parts and you will see assembly numbers throughout, to include the nipple bolster, the hammer, the bayonet lug, etc. The top of the barrel shows the company markings “H&P” and the date of the conversion 1861. There is a faint large “P” on the barrel and a cartouche at the rear of the toeline of the stock are New Jersey inspector markings. A large “NJ” for New Jersey is also visible where the barrel meets the stock on the left side. There are other small inspector markings as well. This piece is quite the study!


This exact musket is shown and discussed on page 73 of “American Military Shoulder Arms, Vol. 3” by George Moller and noted as a Hewes & Phillips New Jersey Type II alteration. A socket bayonet and leather sling are included.

The overall condition is near fine. Strong action. The bore is in good shape is clear. Solid stock with an average amount of dents and dings (contains a little bit of chipping above the lock). “1830” marked lock. “US” is stamped on the lock, butt plate tang, and bayonet. “1861” is dated on the barrel tang. “NJ” marked left barrel. Good bayonet and leather sling. Two Cartouche remnants on the left wrist, and one on the bottom of the buttstock. A very interesting musket updated just in time for the American Civil War!

Own the original! This is a legitimate antique and not a reproduction.

Barrel is 42 inches.

Caliber: .69 Percussion

Overall condition as seen in photos.

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ancestryguns

$2915

#217026
 

SOLD

Antique: Yes