1816 Osborne Springfield Mass Contract Percussion Conversion Militia Musket

Model 1816 Henry Osborne, Springfield, Massachusetts, Contract Percussion Conversion Militia Musket, .69 cal smoothbore, mfg. circa 1819-1844. Henry Osborne was an independent contractor who manufactured muskets for the state militias primarily utilizing surplus parts purchased directly from the nearby Springfield Armory. This example displays the third of four variations in markings observed on Osborne's guns which only has “Springfield” stamped on the lock. Naturally this has lead to much confusion among collectors over the years who would mistake these private contract arms for those Federal arms made at Springfield Armory. The barrel measures 42 1/8" long retaining it's original bayonet lug with only an American Eagle head proof struck on the breech. The horizontal Eagle's head is again stamped on the lock above “SPRINGFIELD”. The lock has been converted from flint to percussion with an engraved hammer from a large fowling piece. The original armory bright white finish has toned to an attractive smooth plum/bronze patina overall with some typical shallow pitting around the breech. The stock has been lightly sanded at some point long ago but still has a pleasing dark appearance with moderate wear overall. There is an old 1" check ahead of the buttplate on the left side and ahead of the tang, a common ½" crack foward of the rear lock bolt, and a very small worn over chip just behind the barrel tang. Period owner's initials “J.B.H.” stamped in block letters on right side of butt. Overall the stock is quite nice with attractive color and very little marring. Original buttplate, sideplate, triggerguard, screws, barrel bands & springs, sling swivels, ramrod, and iron blade front sight. The action is very crisp and firm and functions perfectly. Clean old replacement nipple. Untouched bore is dusty and dirty with moderate fine roughness throughout but no apparent major pits or scrapes etc. Fair for a gun of this age. The fact that this gun was converted to percussion with a civilian hammer but was never otherwise modified for civilian use indicates that it saw a long life with the militia. A good solid original American militia musket from a scarce and interesting maker.