Musket, Flintlock

Object Name:

Musket, Flintlock

Object ID:

1975.536

Creator:

Waters, Asa (1769-1841)Gunsmith

Place of Origin:

Millbury, MA

Date:

1817-1818

Description:

Flintlock Musket. Smoothbore, muzzle-loading; (U.S. government contract) with round barrel, typical of early 19th century military arms (ie- typical of post Revolution military firearms, which were largely patterned after earlier French muskets): .68 caliber, 42" barrel; gun is fully stocked; bayonet mounting stud located 1.5" from top of muzzle; 3 bands and 3 retaining springs attach barrel to stock; gunsight is located on rear strap of forward band. All furniture is iron, all iron is browned: barrel, 3 bands, lockplate, trigger guard, ramrod, and bayonet (probably not original to gun); 2 sling swivels (forward swivel attached to center band on bottom, rear band attached forward of trigger guard bow.
Markings: Lockplate: forward of cock - "US" beneath and eagle; rear of cock - "A, Waters, 1818". Breech of barrel: "PM" above "RS*1817".

Material:

Wood
Metal

Dimensions:

L-57 inches

Provenance:

Asa Waters, Jr. became full owner of his father's gunsmithery and forge on Blackstone Creek in Millbury, MA, at his father's death in 1814. The gunsmithery was contracted many times by the U.S. Government to produce thousands of muskets for military use. Also, the gunsmithery made flintlock muskets for the Massachusetts Militia.

Credit Line:

New Hampshire Historical Society Collection

People:

Waters, Asa (1769-1841)

Subjects:

Firearms, Muskets