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U.S. Model 1803 Flintlock Rifle

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:1,200.00 USD Estimated At:2,500.00 - 3,750.00 USD
U.S. Model 1803 Flintlock Rifle
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U.S. Model 1803 Flintlock Rifle

Model 1803 Flintlock Rifle manufactured by the U.S. Armory at Harper's Ferry, Virginia, c. 1817. The rifle has the late production, 36 inch, part round/part octagon barrel adopted in 1815. The lock plate is stamped "HARPERS/FERRY/1817" in three vertical lines behind the hammer and has an eagle and shield motif with "U.S." on the shield stamped below the pan. The left barrel flat is stamped with "U.S." followed by "Eagle Head/P" inspection and proofmarks in recessed, oval, cartouches. The sub-inspection initials "AK" are stamped on the underside of the stock behind the trigger guard finial. No inspection marks are visible on the left stock flat. The barrel has a distinctive under-rib that supports two iron ramrod pipes. The barrel has a dovetail mounted brass front sight and an iron rear sight mounted in a dovetail 11 inches from the tang. The beveled lock plate has an integral iron pan with high fence reinforced bevel edged flat faced hammer and frizzen with square toe. The rifle has a brass half-band on the forearm, brass tail pipe, flat brass side plate, brass trigger guard with finger spur, oversized brass patch box and crescent brass buttplate. A button release for the patch box is located on the top of the buttplate. The black walnut half-stock has a rudimentary cheekpiece and is secured to the barrel by a single iron wedge. The rifle has an iron ramrod with a brass trumpet head. The "Type II" M1803 Rifles were manufactured to meet requirements for additional rifles generated by the War of 1812. The Harpers Ferry Armory manufactured approximately 15,700 Type II Model 1803 Rifles between 1814 and 1820. The Model 1803 Rifle was the only muzzle-loading flintlock rifle manufactured by a National Armory.

Manufucture: Harpers Ferry Armory Muskets And Carbines
Model: 1803
BBL: 36 inch
Stock: walnut
Guage: 54 bore
Finish: brown
Grips:
Serial Number: NSN

Fair as reconverted to flintlock configuration. The barrel has an artificial mottled brown patina with scattered dents and scratches. There is light-moderate pitting near the flash hole. The proof and inspection marks on the left barrel flat are sharp. The lock plate and hammer have been polished. There is light flash pitting on the lock plate, hammer and pan. The lock markings are about 80% intact. The patch box, trigger guard and other brass furniture have not been polished and have an attractive aged patina. The stock is good overall with strong edges. Wear is limited to scattered, minor storage and handling marks. This is a representative example of a key U.S. martial arm that would be an important addition to any collection of U.S. military arms.