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NEW HAMPSHIRE Militia Rifle-Musket Antique WHITNEY M1842 w/ BAYONET SCARCE Pre-Civil War, Made c1857
Guns International #: 103265249 Seller's Inventory #: 250611
Category: Whitney Rifles - Antique Rifles - Percussion
Seller's Information
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Seller: AncestryGunsLLC
Company: Ancestry Guns LLC
Member Since: 11/3/16
State: Missouri
Zip: 65203
Country: United States
Phone: (314) 707-7373
International Phone: 314-707-7373
Platinum Seller
Number of Active Listings: 1038
Total Number of Listings: 40524
Seller: FFL Dealer
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
Payment Types Accepted: Credit Card, Certified Check, Money Order
Description:
NEW HAMPSHIRE Militia Rifle-Musket Antique WHITNEY M1842 w/ BAYONET SCARCE
Pre-Civil War, Made c1857
Here we present an antique Whitney Variant Model 1842 New Hampshire Percussion Rifle-Musket, made on contract by Eli Whitney’s Whitneyville or Whitney Arms Co. in New Haven, Connecticut circa 1857. Eli Whitney Jr. assembled approximately 2,000 .69-caliber rifled muskets that he exchanged with the state of New Hampshire in 1858 for a number of old flintlock muskets owned by that state. These rifled muskets exhibit a number of differences from standard U.S. Model 1842 muskets, although the overall length and barrel length remained the same. In addition to dates and inspection marks placed on the barrels at the Springfield Armory, they usually bear the state ownership mark of “NEW HAMPSHIRE” on top of barrel. In finishing these rifled muskets, Whitney utilized a number of parts from other gun makers, including the Sharps M1853 "ladder" style carbine rear sights, barrel bands from Robbins & Lawrence Pattern 1853 Enfield rifle-muskets, and internal lock parts remaining from his Model 1841 rifles. Parts that are unique to these arms include iron nosecap and flat lockplate. The lockplates are unmarked, but barrels usually show a letter/number code common to Whitney's production during this period. Despite a total production of approximately 2,000 muskets, survival rate for this type of arm is quite low.
Although these examples lack maker marks, several features link them to Whitney, aligning with his non-armory pattern rifles and muskets. They likely belonged to his “Good and Serviceable Arms” line, designed for state militias. Whitney sourced parts in large lots from federal armories and contractors, assembling rifles suitable for state use, which had lower standards and did not involve gauging. These arms were reliable—better than many European imports—and more cost-effective than fully gauged federal contracts.
Surviving records of the Ordnance Department communications with Whitney indicates that he expressed an active interest in the purchase of obsolete and condemned musket parts at government s held at both the Springfield and Harpers Ferry national armories almost immediately after he took over the management of the Whitney Armory in June 1842 and continued for at least 15 years. These muskets are referred to as “Whitney’s New Hampshire Rifle Muskets” because almost all examples have the state’s name stamped into the barrel. Most of these muskets, including this one, have the same rear sights used on Sharps Rifle Manufacturing Company Model 1852 and early Model 1853 arms.
Muskets exactly like this example are photographed and described as a Whitney Model 1842 “New Hampshire” rifled musket on pages 455-459 of George D. Moller’s book “American Military Shoulder Arms Volume III”.
The overall condition is very good. Original gray patina throughout. The stock is very good with some evidence of light refinish. The bore is in good condition for age with strong rifling. Robust action. The buttplate is slightly oversized. Markings are clear. Good bayonet marked “S.”.
Own the original! This is a legitimate antique and not a reproduction.
Barrel is 42 inches.
Caliber: .69 Percussion
Overall condition as seen in photos.
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ancestryguns
$2850
#250611
Price: $2,850.00
Antique: Yes