SOLD:Model 1808 Contract Flintlock Musket, Thomas French, Blake and Adam Kinsley

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 ca. 1803 production arms while Springfield sent more recent, ca. 1808/9, production patterns. As a result, these muskets are quite varied in both small part design and markings. All are .69 caliber, smoothbore arms 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 October of 1808, Thomas French, Phineas Blake, and Adam Kinsley obtained a government contract for 4,000 muskets based on the Harpers Ferry pattern, albeit with the straight spur hammer seen on the Springfield pattern. Although it is thought that French, Blake, and Kinsley delivered the entirety of their contract between 1810 and 1814, unconverted specimens are difficult to find due to their use in the War of 1812.

This Model 1808 Contract Flintlock Musket is an excellent, unconverted example of Thomas French, Blake and Adam Kinsley contract production. The lock is marked ‘CANTON’ behind the cock, the underlying date is no longer legible except for the ‘1’. In front of the cock, the eagle motif resting on an oval containing ‘US’ is stamped above ‘T. FRENCH’. ‘P. M.’ over ‘P.C 1814’ is marked on the breech. An undiscernible cartouche is seen on the butt stock just behind the triggerguard and the letters ‘AB’ are visible on the comb, just in front of the buttplate tang.

An attractive condition war time flintlock, this Thomas French, Blake and Adam Kinsley 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. Light oxidation is seen on the metal surfaces along with areas of pitting. The bright metal finish has aged to a semi bright brown patina. Both the action and frizzen function as designed. The springs are strong and trigger pull crisp. The bore is dark with some dirt and light frosting; no major pitting is present.

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.