Author Topic: Harpers Ferry Percussion (Read 563 times)

grizz · « **on:** June 04, 2004, 11:25:31 AM »

Hey all I am trying to find out any info on a original Harpers Ferry percussion ML.. It looks to be a smoothbore and the only markins I see on it are Harpers Ferry 1852.. Any idea how much it may be worth or where to find out more info on it???

grizz

filmokentucky · « **Reply #1 on:** June 04, 2004, 12:01:06 PM »

Grizz- How long is the barrel? I take it the date is stamped on the lock?
There should be traces of proof marks on the breech opposite the lock. It could be an early military rifle as a lot of them were bored smooth and sold as shotguns after the Civil War.

grizz · « **Reply #2 on:** June 04, 2004, 12:28:19 PM »

filmokentucky,

The barrel is 34 1/4"s long.. I do see a eagle with US stamped beside it..

filmokentucky · « **Reply #3 on:** June 04, 2004, 12:37:15 PM »

I don't recall any U.S. firearm with that barrel length, so the barrel has probably been bobbed. Is the butt plate flat or is it like the one on an 1861 or 1863 Springfield rifle musket? If it's flat, it could be a shortened 1842 musket. They were .69 caliber amd were good guns, much used during the war.

grizz · « **Reply #4 on:** June 04, 2004, 12:57:09 PM »

The butt plate is flat.. It only has a front site on it and no rear.. So from what you told me im thinking it was shortend and turned into a shotgun...

filmokentucky · « **Reply #5 on:** June 04, 2004, 01:31:01 PM »

Sounds like a bobbed 1842 musket--I believe it was our first percussion musket and also our last musket. They're a really neat gun with a lot of history--Mexican War to the Civil War. I don't know about values, money- wise, but it's definitely a nice piece to hang on the wall.

grizz · « **Reply #6 on:** June 04, 2004, 01:47:23 PM »

Yup that is where im plannin on sticking it.. Thanks for the help!!

grizz