1795 SPRINGFIELD FLINTLOCK MUSKET

1795 Springfield Flintlock Musket

Production started at Springfield in the 1790s.  The US used French muskets received during the revolution as patterns.  As production continued, the Army moved toward tighter standards.  At this time all muskets were hand made.  In 1812 efforts began to incorporate new details.  This process took 2 to 3 years to implement.  In 1816 a new model was adopted.  Springfield was able to incorporate the new model changes in 1818.  

This example is dated 1816 on the lock and reflects very few of the model 1816 changes.  The lock is a grey patina with clear markings US and SPRINGFIELD. The lockplate is flat which is the 1795 detail.  The hammer is of the 1816 design.  The 1795 hammer was flat. The barrel is marked US on the breech and has visible proof marks "P" and and eagle head.  The barrel is held on with 3 barrel bands.  These bands are held in place by spring studs, which were one of the earlier improvements.  The studs were also used on the 1814 Rifle.  The full length stock has a comb and cheek inset.  The sling swivels are missing.  The ramrod seems like it could be a replacement.