U.S. Model 1803, Half-stock, Flintlock Rifle; Lock Plate Stamped: “HARPERS FERRY 1816”

This rarely encountered Harpers Ferry U.S. Model 1803, later more formally signified as the U.S. Model 1803, is a superb representative of the first rifle manufactured by a U.S. Armory. Used during the War of 1812, these rifles may have influenced the production of a number of civilian half-stock rifles, including the famed Hawken rifles, during the first third of the 19th century. After the manufacturing of this unique rifle, the Federal government would order only full stock rifles. These rifles had brass bladed front sights and V-notched, iron rear sights. The overall length of the gun is: 51.5”; the barrel length measures: 36.25”. The barrel itself, graduates from a heavy octagonal section, to the end of the fore-stock, to round to the muzzle. The bore is clean and heavily rifled (7-groove rifling). Running beneath the barrel is an iron channel with iron ferrules to house an iron ramrod. The rifle has the following brass elements: patch box, barrel support band, ramrod stock thimble, trigger guard, lock retention plate and butt plate. The oiled walnut stock has a cheek rest on the left side of the butt. The lock plate is stamped, to the front of the hammer with an American eagle, with “US” in its shield; behind the hammer, in three vertically oriented lines, is stamped: “HARPERS / FERRY / 1816”; this dating is indicative that this rifle is the second type of Model 1803 manufactured. At the left back of the barrel, near the breech plug, are two, cast government proof marks in ovals – one shows to be “US”; the other is not readily discernible. These rifles were the first regulation U.S. rifles and remain a rare and highly significant American military firearm; they were adopted by both the US Army and Marines in appreciation of their accuracy. This example remains in fine, operable condition.