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History of Harpers Ferry rifle

Andrew hallAndrew hall Member Posts: 93 ✭✭
edited November 2007 in Ask the Experts
I received a rifle from my father that is in pretty poor condition, but I'd like to learn whatever history I can. It is a muzzle loading rifle that says: Harpers Ferry 1822 and has the U.S. Eagle emblem on the right side. The number 122 is stamped both vertically and horizontally on the top of the gun at the base of the barrel.

How do I learn more about the origin and history of this gun?
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Comments

  • dcinffxvadcinffxva Member Posts: 2,830 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Since you didn't post pictures, or give much of a description, it's hard to be absolutely certain, but most likely it is a US Model 1816 Musket (not a rifle). Yours would have been made in 1822.

    The Model 1816 was originally made as a flintlock, but many of them were converted to percussion, and a large number of them saw service in the Civil War. They were made from 1816-1840, and there were about 350,000 of them made at Harpers Ferry.

    They were originally in .69 caliber, and had a smooth bore 42 inch barrel, which would have been secured by three barrel bands.

    Pictures would help, give a little more specific information about your musket.
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  • captkirk3@dslextreme.comcaptkirk3@dslextreme.com Member Posts: 3,804
    edited November -1
    Its very doubtful that You'll ever find out anything about your Musket.....But if You do a Google Search on the Harpers Ferry Arsenal You'll find a lot of neat History.....
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