VERY RARE & FINE “AS FOUND” TYPE I WHITNEY CONTRACT 1798 FLINTLOCK MUSKET.

inv# 01-19289

Cal. 69, NSN.

Bbl. 45″. The earliest of Whitney musket contracts were delivered & 1801-1802, 500 each year. This wonderful unaltered survivor conforms to specifications from Moller & Schmidt excellent texts w/ minor variation in markings. Based on examples shown in these 2 texts, these are very rare guns to find in original flint configuration. 100% Original & as found w/ exception of contemporary smaller headed lock screw. This example was not disassembled to look for additional proofs & assembly marks. 59.5″ Overall. 45″ Bbl. has lg. “P” & “W” stamped at breech on top. The “W” is possibly “M” stamp from opposite side, as there is “MARYLAND” brand on right side of forestock. Maryland purchased several thousand muskets from federal stockpile 1809-1812 as cited in Moller. Lock w/ integral faceted iron pan is marked w/ eagle above “NEW HAVEN”, & “U. STATES” in arc at tail. “2” Stamped rear of trigger guard in stock, sm. carved initials opposite lock. carce & rarely offered.