Springfield Armory 1812 Type I Flintlock Musket-Note Added

[WESTbury]

This is a subject I actually know something about, versus fowlers converted to muskets.

The 1814/1815 dated M1812 shown is very early production still employing a late production M1795 lock dated 1814 and barrel bands but having the new 42 inch long barrel and a buttstock with a well defined cheek recess. The musket was assembled very early in 1815.

[WESTbury]

During the brief production period at Springfield of the M1812 Type I Musket, late 1814 to the 2nd quarter of 1815, there were three distinct lockplates used.

[Clark Badgett]

Love these posts. Love your book too. Do you know if there has been any similar works done on the US flintlock martial rifles?

[WESTbury]

Thanks for your kind remark on my book, appreciate it.

My friend Peter A Schmidt wrote two volumes entitled U.S. Military Flintlock Muskets in 2006 & 2007. Pete covered Springfield and Harpers Ferry and all of the contractors.

My book concentrated on Springfield Armory. That way I was able to go into greater depth rather than something of a shotgun effect. Pete's books are a wealth of very detailed info rather than the detailed color photographic effort I attempted.

George Moller wrote three volumes on all American Military longarms from pre Rev War through the Civil War. George was the first to do so. His books are great.

Hope you caught my latest article in the current issue of Man at Arms Magazine on the Model 1816 and 1840 Springfield Flintlock Muskets.

[Grayrock Volunteer]

During the brief production period at Springfield of the M1812 Type I Musket, late 1814 to the 2nd quarter of 1815, there were three distinct lockplates used. The differences being in the length & width and the presents of a "tit" at the rear.

On the 1815 dated example with the tit at the tail of the lock; what style of barrel bands does the musket have? I just acquired an 1815 dated example with an 1816 dated buttplate and type 2 Wickham stud bands. The cock on mine is the older flat 1795 variety.

Thank you,
Garrett

[WESTbury]

Grayrock,

Thanks for the question.

The 1815 dated musket has the Type I barrel bands with the retaining springs to the rear of the bands.

[Grayrock Volunteer]

Thanks for such a quick reply. I will post some photos of my example tomorrow. I owned one of the recycled lock examples a few years ago, but sold it to a friend of mine who has built a very nice and nearly complete collection of the Springfield 1812 variants.

I've also owned a pair of the 1817 production arched Springfield stamped guns, though both of those were altered to percussion by Miles Greenwood of Cincinnati, Ohio.

[WESTbury]

Thanks for such a quick reply. I will post some photos of my example tomorrow.

Look forward to seeing your photos!

In my opinion, the 1812 Standard Pattern Flintlock Muskets made at Springfield are the most interesting U.S. Military Flintlocks. I believe that I stated, in Part Three of my Springfield flint musket evolution series of articles, published in the August 2020 edition of Man at Arms Magazine, that I've identified nine variations made during the 3-1/2 year production period of the Springfield Armory 1812 Standard Pattern Flintlock Musket.

Kent

[TPH]

Thank you, excellent well presented information! 

[45-110]

The close up of the 1813 lock is simply beautiful! Just amazing of what once was produced at the beginning of the industrial revolution and water power.
kw

[Grayrock Volunteer]

Finally got some photos of the early 1815 lock type II taken. Looking forward to seeing what you think.

[45-110]

I had one years ago, at the time ref mat'l was limited. Did not know it was a type 2, mine also had the hollowed out cheek piece and was dated 1811.
kw