M1808 flintlock contract musket by Barstow of Exeter, NH - $1350.00
Please click the image for a larger version
M1808 flintlock contract musket by Joshua & Charles Barstow of Exeter, New Hampshire. Only a contract of 2500 was in place with 2375 believed to have been delivered, making them one of the most reliable of the contractors, who often struggled to deliver a quality product while remaining financially solvent. 44-1/2" barrel. Marked at rear of lock "J.&.C.B" and "EXETER" in front of hammer with an apparent shadow of a script "US" and eagle. Marked on barrel with a heart-shaped proof and an unreadable inspector initials. Metal parts are cleaned with a light salt-and-pepper coloration and some expected pitting in the barrel breech. Sling swivels are absent. Stock shows cleaning, has some interesting small starburst impressions in various places around the stock, an old sliver is missing from the forearm edge in front of the lock, and a small crack by the rear lock screw. Ramrod is a reproduction and is broken off between the lower and middle bands. Mechanically good, sold as a collector item only, not warranted safe to shoot.
|
