Author Topic: An 1804 dated Harper's Ferry Rifle  (Read 3106 times)

Offline Skirmisher

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An 1804 dated Harper's Ferry Rifle
« 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.






Offline BruceH

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Re: An 1804 dated Harper's Ferry Rifle
« Reply #1 on: February 17, 2020, 02:37:08 AM »
Nice collection.  I sent you a PM.

Offline Longknife

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Re: An 1804 dated Harper's Ferry Rifle
« Reply #2 on: February 18, 2020, 01:12:16 AM »
Very nice collection of the first military rifle produced by the USA.
Ed Hamberg

Offline ScottH

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Re: An 1804 dated Harper's Ferry Rifle
« Reply #3 on: February 18, 2020, 02:42:54 AM »
Very interesting photos!
Thank you for sharing them  :)

Offline mr. no gold

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Re: An 1804 dated Harper's Ferry Rifle
« Reply #4 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

WESTbury

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Re: An 1804 dated Harper's Ferry Rifle
« Reply #5 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.

Offline 45-110

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Re: An 1804 dated Harper's Ferry Rifle
« Reply #6 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

Offline Skirmisher

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Re: An 1804 dated Harper's Ferry Rifle
« Reply #7 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!

Offline CooleyS

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Re: An 1804 dated Harper's Ferry Rifle
« Reply #8 on: October 29, 2021, 01:43:38 AM »
PM sent…

Offline WESTbury

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Re: An 1804 dated Harper's Ferry Rifle
« Reply #9 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.
"We are not about to send American Boys 9 to 10 thousand miles away from home to do what Asian Boys ought to be doing for themselves."
President Lyndon B. Johnson October 21, 1964

Offline Curtis

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Re: An 1804 dated Harper's Ferry Rifle
« Reply #10 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
Curtis Allinson
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Sometimes, late at night when I am alone in the inner sanctum of my workshop and no one else can see, I sand things using only my fingers for backing

Offline Rajin cajun

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Re: An 1804 dated Harper's Ferry Rifle
« Reply #11 on: October 29, 2021, 11:59:06 PM »
Great collection..!
Thanks for posting👍

Bob
It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the dog !

Offline 45-110

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Re: An 1804 dated Harper's Ferry Rifle
« Reply #12 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