Hey guys, newbie here. I’ve recently acquired my first antique firearm and have a question. This gun is a model 1816 Harpers Ferry smooth bore musket in flintlock configuration and pretty nice overall condition. For unknown reasons, somebody in the past cut 6” to 7" inches off the barrel, of course removing the bayonet lug as well. And the stock was shortened several inches too. The barrel measures around 35.5" and should be about 42".
I called around and talked to a couple gunsmiths who have some knowledge of these guns. One particular gentleman who operates out of Harpers Ferry said the barrel “could” be welded and extended, re-browned, etc and the repair made difficult to detect. But then he asked me “why” when the existing barrel could be a war-time modification and was what he considered part of the gun’s history and authenticity. He said he’s seen numerous alterations, many done by Confederates, as they did whatever necessary to keep existing guns usable, or adapt them to a specific purpose. I do not know the gun’s history, but I suppose that’s one scenario. If Confederates did modify this gun, I’d think the “conversion to percussion” change would have been far more likely.
I’ve also considered that perhaps the armory did this when the gun was initially made, and that it never had a full-length barrel. The one feature on the gun that makes me think that is not the case, is that the large end-of-barrel band (with the brass sight) has no pin, screw or clip of any kind holding it in place. It can be slid off and on by hand. I would think that the armory would have devised something to keep the band in place, especially given that this band has the gun’s only site on it.
So I guess my question is, “Should I consider changing this gun to the way it was from the armory, or should it be left as is? And what effect does this have on the value, leaving it as is or adding to the barrel/stock?” I don’t want to make more changes to this gun that further reduces its value. Based on the appearance, patina and pitting on the end of barrel, and the blackening of the stock on that end (from having been fired), I’d say it was cut long ago and has been shot many times since the modification. I guess a new barrel for $250 is always an option, but then I’d have to cut the original stock even shorter, back to the middle barrel band, add a length of stock, and then cover that repair with the middle barrel band.
Any input you guys have would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! Jim
Topic: Question about Model 1816 Harpers Ferry w/shortened barrel (Read 1110 times)