1816 REMINGTON ALTERATION 1857

1816 Remington Conversion Musket

In the 1850s the ordnance department contracted with the firm Remington to produce new locks and breech for 1816 muskets.  Remington delivered new locks which incorporated the Maynard tape primer system.   Remington also furnished chambered breeches to convert the 1816 barrels to percussion. The work was primarily done at Frankford Arsenal.   The Conversion included removing the breech, rifling and installing the new chambered breeches, installing sights and a new lock.  Over 2100 were produced between 1855 and 1858.  A sliding leaf rear sight was added.   Many of the later production were produced without a rear sight.  

This example is dated 1857 on the lock and 1856 on the breech.  The primer mechanism is complete and functional.  The metal has a deep grey patina and the most marks are clear and readable.  The breech markings are readable though they show wear.  The stock is solid and full length.  It has visible inspection marks.  And it has dings and bumps from use. There is a rack number in the wood behind the barrel tang.  And carved initials in the stock. Many of these were issued out west in the 1850s.  Others were distributed to the states under the 1808 militia act.  Most of these saw service during the war.