Guns International #: 102863801
Seller's Inventory #: 244115

Category - Whitney Rifles - Antique Rifles - Percussion

Category
Whitney Rifles
Antique Rifles - Percussion

WHITNEY Antique P. & EW BLAKE Model 1816/22 “CONE” Conversion MUSKET Converted Flintlock to Percussion Made in 1826

Description:
WHITNEY Antique P. & EW BLAKE Model 1816/22 “CONE” Conversion MUSKET

Converted Flintlock to Percussion Made in 1826

Here we present an antique first contract U.S. Whitney/P. & E.W. Blake Model 1816/22 Percussion Conversion Musket, manufactured circa 1826 in New Haven, Connecticut. This musket was one of 15,000 muskets produced in this contract from the period between 1826 and 1830. Philos & Eli Whitney Blake were the nephews of Eli Whitney Sr. and were believed to be the trustees of the Whitney Armory after his death from 1823 until Eli Whitney Jr. coming of age in 1842.
The War of 1812 revealed many weaknesses in American muskets. In an attempt to improve both the design and manufacture of the musket, the Model 1812 musket was created. The Model 1816 made further improvements and replaced the Model 1812. The M1816 was a smoothbore, muzzle loading weapon which used a .69 caliber musket ball. It was in production at Springfield (325,000) and Harpers Ferry (350,000) between 1816 to 1844 with around 675,000 muskets produced during this run. Additionally, more than a dozen contractors also made the Model 1816 Muskets, like this one, during its production years, adding more than 146,000 muskets for a grand total of 821,421 M1816 Muskets produced.

This Model 1816 flintlock musket has been converted to percussion using the Belgian Style Alteration method, more commonly known as the “Cone Type” conversion. All external lock parts were removed with the screw hole plugged, the pan ground flush with lock plate (leaving the remnants intact) and the small existing cavity in the pan filled with brass to give it a level or squared off profile along the top. The vent hole of the barrel was plugged with a nipple screwed into the threaded receptacle at the top of the barrel, set off center towards the lock side. Then, adding the distinctive arsenal, military hammer.

It saw service during the Mexican-American War and was even pressed into service during the Civil War in both the updated percussion and the original flintlock format, due to the shortage of guns. In the 1850’s, many 1816’s went through the conversion from flintlock to percussion. These were some of the most abundant weapons available to both sides, being in the hands of state militias, in the first days of the American Civil War. This musket is symbolic for the westward expansion of the country throughout the first half of the 19th century. The Model 1816 saw service in the Texan Revolution, including the Battle of the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto. After the independence of Texas, the 1816 musket was chosen as the first standard musket of the Texan army in 1839.

The overall condition is good. Dark weathered patina throughout. The action is strong. The bore is smooth and dark. Period replacement ramrod that is a bit too long and slightly bent. The stock shows much use. Faint inspection markings can be made out on the left stock flat. Solid throughout.


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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$1850

#244115
 

Price: $1,850.00                     Buy Now

Antique: Yes