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LOT 1273
Outstanding, One of the Finest Known, Mexican-American War Era U.S. Springfield Model 1842 Percussion Musket Dated 1846 - NSN, 69 cal., 42 inch round bbl., bright finish, walnut stock. U.S. Springfield Model 1842 muskets were manufactured at the Springfield Armory between 1844-1855. This model is significant as the last U.S. martial smoothbore musket, with known use in
the Mexican-American War (April 25th, 1846–February 2nd, 1848) and the U.S. Civil War (April 12th, 1861 – April 9th, 1865). Mexican-American War production examples rarely turn up in high condition, let alone like this example. “Eagle and shield/US” marked center of the lock, “SPRING/FIELD/1846” at the tail of the lock, “V/P/Eagle head” proofs at the left of the breech, “1846” dated barrel tang, oval script “JAS” (John A. Schaeffer) inspection cartouche stamped on the left stock
CONDITION: Excellent plus, as issued, retains its highly attractive original armory bright surfaces with a few small patches of minor surface pitting, and distinct lock and barrel markings. The front sight exhibits an original bright golden appearance. The stock is also excellent plus with attractive original raised grains and rich oil finish, a few small minor hairline cracks visible ahead of the lock, some occasional minor handling marks, an exceptionally crisp cartouche and absolutely sharp edges overall. Mechanically excellent. Bayonet is excellent. This outstanding Mexican-American War era U.S. Springfield M1842 musket, nearly impossible to improve upon, would proudly fill a necessary spot in any U.S. martial arms collection!
Provenance: The John MacMurray Collection; The Greg Lampe Collection.
Estimate: 7,500 - 11,000
216 flat, and a “US” marked buttplate tang. Includes a “U.S.” marked socket bayonet.