FINE ORIGINAL J. HENRY MODEL 1808 CONTRACT MUSKET

According to the books, this was a contract long arm made for the US Government by J. Henry of Philadelphia along the pattern of the US Model 1808 Flintlock musket. The government contracted with 19 gun makers to manufacture 85,200 muskets as they prepared for war with Europe. The barrel measures 45" and is a .70 smooth bore. The left side of barrel has touch mark style P. The end of barrel has a bayonet lug. Front sight is part of front band, one of three total. The rear portion of lock is stamped J. Henry Phila with the US and eagle on front portion. There are some small letters including RPT on left side of stock as well as large letter IDS on left side of stock. Metal was finished in the white and is now a smooth gun metal gray with overall age freckling. The hammer spring needs some tuning as hammer will not stay cocked but most legends are sharp. The walnut stocks are surprisingly nice with no major chips or cracks of any mention. It is estimated that they delivered a total of 4500 rifles to the contract amount. This rifle wears its original flintlock action having never been altered. Metal ramrod is still intact as well. A far above average US Model 1808 contract flintlock rifle. A