For Sale: Model 1808 Contract Flintlock Musket, Asher and Pliny Bartlett

The Model 1808 Contract Flintlock Musket reflects the evolution of U.S. arms production more than a new, specific model design. Due to the hostilities between England and France, and the impending threat of U.S. involvement, Congress sanctioned the War Department in 1808 to acquire arms. 19 gun makers received contracts to produce muskets based on pattern samples sent to them by either Harpers Ferry or Springfield National Armories. Historians believe that differences seen among the Model 1808 Contract Muskets are the result of the pattern samples received, as neither National Armory were making identical muskets at the time. The Harpers Ferry pattern is thought to represent a ca. 1803 pattern while Springfield sent more recent, ca. 1808/9, production pattern. As a result, the Model 1808 Muskets are quite varied in both small part design and markings. All are .69 caliber, smoothbore muskets with approximately 45-inch barrels and if purchased by the government, (many were sold privately or under state contracts by the gun makers) carried inspection marks.

In November of 1808, the brother team of Asher and Pliny Bartlett, of Springfield, Mass, contracted with the government for 2,500 muskets based on the Springfield Armory pattern to be delivered over five years. However, the brothers also contracted with other parties, including the states of Massachusetts and Maryland, and only delivered 1,700 muskets under their federal contract.

The Model 1808 Contract Flintlock Musket for sale here is an excellent, unconverted example of Bartlett production. The lockplate marking and shorter than standard barrel indicate sale under a state contract, although there are no state markings on the musket. The lock is marked only with ‘BARTLETT’ forward of the cock. The barrel carries inspection marks ‘P. M.’ over ‘1(R or B?) 1814’ on the breech. The letter ‘S’ is stamped on the butt stock just behind the triggerguard.

A superb condition war time flintlock, this Asher and Pliny Bartlett Model 1808 Contract Musket would fit well in any U.S. military arm, flintlock, or War of 1812 collection. Service handling marks are scattered throughout and are primarily limited to dents and small chips in the stock. Long ago, the metal was treated with a now brown protective coating that limited any oxidation and pitting. Based on another arm from this collection, the coating cleans up easily with gun cleaner and would most likely reveal bright metal underneath. Both the action and frizzen function as designed. The springs are strong and trigger pull crisp. The smoothbore is dark and dirty.

See pictures for overall condition. Antique. Check with a local FFL dealer to confirm your state laws governing ownership of an antique firearm before purchasing this item.