CS BRAZED BOLSTER ON A WHITNEY 1795 MUSKET

CS Braized Bolster Musket

This musket started as a Whitney contract flintlock musket. In 1812 Whitney signed a contract for 15,000 flintlock muskets.   The  markings are the lockplate identify this example as part of that contract.  The muskets furnished in this contract had 42" barrels and followed many of the details of the 1795 patern.  However they also have a low comb on the butt and a brass pan.   Many of the northern states received these muskets and usually marked the barrel with state marks - ie SNY MS ...  In the years between delivery and 1861 many states sold muskets on the open market.   

At the start of the Civil War a number of flintlock muskets in southern hands were converted to percussion by brazing a percussion bolster on the original barrel.  The profiles of the bolsters and hammers vary.  This musket also has an interesting aspect .  The barrel is 38 1/2" long   The front barrel band has been moved back as well as the bayonet lug.  The barrel is turned down to mount a bayonet .  Also there are two sets of numbers in the wrist of the stock.  It is possible that this musket at one point was reduced in length for artillery or cadet use.  Or the muzzle might have been damaged.  The work by retaining the front barrel band and the bayonet lug suggests the work being done at an arsenal .   The braised bolster and unknurled hammer are consistent with southern alterations from the start of the Civil War.  Shops were set up throughtout the south where muskets were converted from Flint to percussion.  

The metal is a pleasing grey patina with some small areas of light pitting.   The markings on the lock are clear and readable.  The stock is full length and solid with some wood loss along the forestock along the barrel on the lock side.