1854 Harpers Ferry Musket and Bayonet
Item Details
An antique musket with an important historical past. Stamped on the lock plate, behind the hammer, is 1854 Harpers Ferry. This Model 1842 musket, made by the Harpers Ferry Arsenal, was designed to be a .69 caliber smoothbore. Stamped on top of the wooden stock near the hammer is ‘44.’ In the cavity of the patchbox are some copper primer caps. (See Item 16WDC008-111 for tin of primer caps similar to these) The age of this musket is circa Mexican-American War and the Civil War. The bayonet has a smooth three sided taper from the bend to the point. The scabbard has an attached leather body with a ridged brass tip and metal rivets.
Provenance through family documentation: The musket belonged to Calvin J. Richardson, born in Willoughby Township, Ohio in 1840. He served during the Civil War in Company C of the 88th Ohio Volunteer Infantry. After the war he guarded Lincoln’s body in Columbus, OH during transport to Illinois. See Item # 16WDC008-096 for another Civil War connection to C. J. Richardson.
- Please note: Pre 1898 guns will not require an FFL (Federal Firearms License) but, if the winning bidder wants them transferred or shipped, this will need to be through an FFL dealer, whether the sale was through our warehouses or an estate. If the winning bidder so chooses, they can pick these up in person from an estate or warehouse without involving an FFL dealer.
- Please note that Everything But The House regularly sells items of historical significance and, from time to time, some of these items might be considered controversial in nature. It is the role of Everything But The House to offer these items for sale as sensitively as possible, with equal respect to all. Furthermore, please know that all items sold on our website are legally obtained and offered for sale in compliance with state and federal regulations.
Condition
Fair, hammer is frozen due to rust; some patina present in the cavity of the patchbox due to copper primer caps; crack in the barrel tang.
Dimensions
measured rifle 45"
Bayonet inside scabbord – 24"
Bayonet blade 19"
Bayonet – 22.35"
Item #
16WDC008-049
