Fine Harpers Ferry Rifle US MODEL 1803/14, Dated 1814, 33" Barrel
Guns International #: 101275530 Seller's Inventory #:
Category: Antique Rifles - Flintlock - Military Rifles - Antique

Seller's Information
When emailing or calling sellers direct, please mention that you saw their listing on GunsInternational.com
Verified Seller
Seller: A & A Gaines Antiques
Member Since: 11/2/08
State: Rhode Island
Zip: 02840
Country: United States
Phone: (401) 846-0538
Number of Active Listings: 0
Total Number of Listings: 66
Seller: Private Seller
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
3 days
Payment Types Accepted: USPS Postal Money Order or Bank Check



Description:
A fine and impressive early example of the famous US Rifle Model 1814 produced by the US Arsenal at Harpers Ferry, Virginia. This rifle is dated 1814 and was built with a 33" half octagonal barrel in .54 caliber.  Many collectors believe the 1803/14 Harpers Ferry rifle was the most handsome flintlock military rifle ever built. Harpers Ferry rifles were built by hand and display excellent workmanship and handling characteristics. They resembled fine sporting rifles of the period far more than military weapons.

The Model 1814 was a second production of the Model 1803 Harpers Ferry rifle which was the first rifle built at a US Government arsenal, 4000 being produced 1803-1807. During the War Of 1812 there was a call for more riflemen and Harpers Ferry resumed production of their Model 1803 rifle in 1814. The first rifles of this group retained the 33' barrel of the 1803 pattern but in 1815 it was decided to increase barrel length to 36". 

Around 15000 Harpers Ferry rifles were produced 1814-1819. The 1814 dated 33' barrel examples of this group are rare due to their limited production and immediate need for their front line issue during the War Of 1812. 

Harpers Ferry flintlock rifles, 1803 - 1819, are one of the most difficult arms for the contemporary US martial arms collector to find for several reasons. The ones made prior to 1815 saw heavy use in the Indian wars on the 'Old Frontier' and during the War Of 1812,  and 1815-1819 dated rifles saw considerable action during the Indian wars of that period on the frontier. The Harpers Ferry flintlock rifle was not as rugged as the usual military arms of the period which led to their attrition in army service. However Harpers Ferry rifles were very popular with soldier and civilian alike - perhaps a rifle too pretty for its own good - and those which survived the wars continued in use throughout the United States. 

One can well understand a US rifleman finding some way to keep his Harpers Ferry after his service. The Harpers Ferry was as fine a hunting rifle as one might want and good protection for anyone going West. Harpers Ferry rifles were not put aside when percussion firearms became popular, they were converted to cap-lock and used  some more.....converted examples with genuine Confederate markings show some of them made it into the Civil War. 

CONDITION: This 1814 dated rifle has managed to survive in fine condition. It has seen use but is still flintlock and has a fine deeply rifled bore. The metal has an excellent medium to dark patina with good markings and sharp edges. The lock is fine and the bore looks fine. All the brass mountings are fine. The tapered iron ram rod is fine but does show an old copper braze repair. The walnut stock is fine with crisp contours, visable inspector's marks, and fine old/original surface. 

This Harpers Ferry rifle is a great example of a rare and beautiful early US martial rifle that would be hard to up-grade.

Dimensions: BARREL 33", CALIBER .54, LOCK DATED 1814

SOLD

Antique: Yes
Manufacturer: Harpers Ferry Arsenal
Model: 1803/1814
Caliber Info: .54
Condition: fine
Metal Condition: fine
Wood Condition: fine
Bore Condition: fine
Manufacture Date: 1814