Feltwad, thanks for you information, it was very helpful. It looks like I might have one of those militia type firearms. It looks overall, like a military weapon but is completely devoid of any military proof marks or other military markings, just the usual barrel proof marks. My first thought was it was an officers fusil but it is really too plain for that, unless it was a very poor officer!. I do understand that some NCO's were issued similar weapons but I would think those would have military markings. It is exceptionally well made but is quite plain with no extra carving other than the normal beavertail around the tang. The lock is wonderful, very strong and tight. The only things I see that might be outside of the dates you provided for Mather appear to be later additions. It has what appears to be a saddle ring taken off of a trapdoor Springfield (!?) on the left side obviously something added later in its working life. The other is it has a bulge toward the end of the ramrod with a groove that fits in a tab on the nose cap. I understand that became common in the 1830's. Overall, the gun is strong and tight, the customer has every intention of shooting it. To be honest, I don't blame him.
