AmericanLongRifles Forums

General discussion => Antique Gun Collecting => Topic started by: Skirmisher on February 16, 2020, 11:37:28 PM

Title: An 1804 dated Harper's Ferry Rifle
Post by: Skirmisher on February 16, 2020, 11:37:28 PM

Really early Model 1803 rifles show up rarely, and I bought one yesterday.  These early rifles differ considerably from the 1814-1820 production, and so I took some comparative pictures.  First, of-course, is barrel length.  The 1804 barrel is 31.125" long, the 1815 dated short rifle has a 33" barrel, and the 1814 dated long rifle has a .36" barrel.  The stocks are correspondingly scaled in.length.
On the 1804 rifle, the buttplate toe is squared off, much like a civilian rifle of the period, and there is a flat under the buttstock from buttplate to trigger.  On later production pieces the toe of the butt and the bottom of the stock is heavier and rounded.
The barrel wedge is different on all three rifles, with the 1804 key being quite flat and filed in the shape of a heart.
And of-course the box of the early piece is shorter and wider than the later versions.
Lots of other little things.  If anyone needs photos
or measurements for a project, let me know.  Incidentally, the bores vary a lot in these.  The 1804 piece has a .538" bore with.a 42" twist.  By contrast, the 1815 short rifle has a .525" bore and a 46" twist.
(https://i.ibb.co/d5PfHLF/IMG-20200216-102433.jpg) (https://ibb.co/kS4GP9j)

(https://i.ibb.co/7zP4hcN/IMG-20200215-163156.jpg) (https://ibb.co/26xNJ2Y)

(https://i.ibb.co/3BSGQCz/IMG-20200215-163150.jpg) (https://ibb.co/ZWct7Mm)

Title: Re: An 1804 dated Harper's Ferry Rifle
Post by: BruceH on February 17, 2020, 02:37:08 AM

Nice collection.  I sent you a PM.

Title: Re: An 1804 dated Harper's Ferry Rifle
Post by: Longknife on February 18, 2020, 01:12:16 AM

Very nice collection of the first military rifle produced by the USA.

Title: Re: An 1804 dated Harper's Ferry Rifle
Post by: ScottH on February 18, 2020, 02:42:54 AM

Very interesting photos!
Thank you for sharing them  :)

Title: Re: An 1804 dated Harper's Ferry Rifle
Post by: mr. no gold on February 18, 2020, 04:09:39 AM

Some consider this riflle to be the most attractive military gun produced by the US. I don't see much reaon to disagree. Heck, it is better looking than some Ky. Rifles. Nice collection. Thank you for showing them.

Dick

Title: Re: An 1804 dated Harper's Ferry Rifle
Post by: WESTbury on February 18, 2020, 04:29:17 PM

Just a super collection, you are fortunate.

What is the serial number on the 1804?

Thanks for posting the photos.

Title: Re: An 1804 dated Harper's Ferry Rifle
Post by: 45-110 on February 18, 2020, 04:37:02 PM

Wow, exceptionally fine rare rifle! Please post additional pictures thimble, sights, muzzle, barrel markings, patch box cavity etc. This early rifle has nuances of design I would love to see more of.

thank you
kw

Title: Re: An 1804 dated Harper's Ferry Rifle
Post by: Skirmisher on February 19, 2020, 01:58:04 AM

This particular rifle, although quite original, has no barrel stamps at and no serial number.  The engraved serial number could have been easily erased by an arsenal reconditioning, but traces of the deep view and proof stamps should remain.  But there is nothin
g.  Having collected Harper's Ferry stuff for years, I have concluded that the only rule is that there are no rules!

Title: Re: An 1804 dated Harper's Ferry Rifle
Post by: CooleyS on October 29, 2021, 01:43:38 AM

PM sent…

Title: Re: An 1804 dated Harper's Ferry Rifle
Post by: WESTbury on October 29, 2021, 05:18:01 AM

In my opinion, H.F. had a nack of designing and building great rifles. The M1803 and the M1841 are the very best. Thank you for letting us admire your collection.

Title: Re: An 1804 dated Harper's Ferry Rifle
Post by: Curtis on October 29, 2021, 07:51:56 AM

Thanks for posting, it was great to see and read about the subtle differences between the years of manufacture.  My favorite U.S. martial rifle!!!

Curtis

Title: Re: An 1804 dated Harper's Ferry Rifle
Post by: Rajin cajun on October 29, 2021, 11:59:06 PM

Great collection..!
Thanks for posting👍

Bob

Title: Re: An 1804 dated Harper's Ferry Rifle
Post by: 45-110 on October 30, 2021, 02:27:36 AM

Exquisite rare rifle! Please post some more pictures showing some of the unique details. The Harpers Ferry and Halls rifle works manufacturing has always intrigued me, and the skilled workers involved in the era that launched the U.S. industrial revolution.
kw