This is a Mexican War era U.S. Model 1842 Harpers Ferry percussion musket dated 1845. It has been period altered from three bands to two bands. The 29"" round 69 caliber smooth bore barrel has a fair, dark bore with roughness. The barrel has the standard V/P/eagle proof marks. With the exception of the 18, the barrel tang date is unreadable. All metal is smooth and brown. The lock is marked with the eagle (only parts visible) over US at the center and HARPERS/FERRY/1845 at the tail. The hammer nose and nipple are battered. The brown buttplate has light roughness. The rear swivel and ramrod are present. The stock is good with age cracks, initials on the left butt, and erosion next to the nipple. The action functions correctly with the exception that the hammer can be released by the trigger at half cock. This is an interesting example of a Model 1842 Harpers Ferry musket that most likely saw Mexican War service.