The U.S. Model 1822 Flintlock Musket

[WESTbury]

The designation of U.S. Model 1816 Flintlock Muskets manufactured after 1822 as Model 1822 Flintlock Muskets, is probably one of the greatest misnomers relative to the correct identification of muskets made by and for the Federal Government. Not surprisingly, it is the U.S. Ordnance Department, or rather its employees that are the culprits, initiated in the first Ordnance Department Manual published in 1841.

Relative to the overall design characteristics of the Model 1816 flintlock muskets and 95% of their individual components, manufactured beginning in 1817 through 1844, are identical. The components which underwent evolutionary changes were the triggerguard and buttstock. These changes were in fact miniscule and limited to very minor changes.

These changes are illustrated below.