Interesting Civil War CONFEDERATE Altered U.S. Military Model 1840 Flintlock Musket By Contractor D. NIPPES

An Interesting Antique CONFEDERATE Altered U.S. Military Model 1840 Flintlock Musket By contractor "D. NIPPES", dated "1845" converted to the Maynard Tape Primer Type Primed percussion conversion, c. 1848.  24", .69 caliber smooth-bore steel barrel (originally 42").  The top of the breech is stamped "US", "J M" (inspector) over "P" (PROOF), "CS" (Confederate States), "T.J.A" (Unidentified Confederate gunsmith who performed the alteration/modification), and the date "1861" on the tang.  The lock is marked "D. NIPPS", "US" (forward of hammer); stamped vertically behind hammer: "MILL/CREEK/PA" and the date "1845".  The interior of the lock is in almost "as new" condition with generous amounts of original blue finish remaining.  All steel furniture includes a butt plate stamped "U.S.", "CS", "5" "v".  The gun has a carbine sling ring bar similar to the Model 1853 Sharps carbine added (most likely by the Confederate gunsmith in 1861).  The stock has been modified by being reduced to the current length and marked on the left side with (2) oval inspector's cartouches, a small "TH"?, and "3 RT".  The stock is solid with light scratches and dings from service and handling.  Missing the ram rod.  The gun is in very good condition with sharp markings and in good mechanical working order.

Researching...

Measures: 39.5" overall length.

NOTE: The MAYNARD tape primer system was removed at some point.  It is assumed that the system was removed during the period of use, possibly when the musket was made into a carbine in 1861.  Upon the onset of the Civil War (especially the first two years), both side were struggling to outfit the soldiers with new equipment and the demand for firearms was insatiable.  The South struggled more than the North and had a difficult time securing weapons forcing many older flintlocks and foreign made weapons to be pressed into service until new weapons were available.  Many soldiers were forced to go to war with the family hunting gun until a suitable replacement could be provided.  The overwhelming problem was the vast variety of calibers to maintain ammunition for.

Ref. p. 560  FLAYDERMAN'S GUIDE TO ANTIQUE AMERICAN FIREARMS...and their values., by, Norm Flayderman, 9th edition., c. 2007.

An example of the MAYNARD conversion of the U.S. military Model 1840 Flintlock musket.

TTI-567222