Model 1803 Type II Harpers Ferry Rifle
Also called a "Louis and Clark" Rifle
With 1819 Lock, re-conversion

The subject rifle is a Model 1803 "Louis and Clark" rifle manufactured at the federal Harper's Ferry Arsenal in 1819. This second block gun (next to the last year of production is in antique fine condition, and is a re-conversion to its original flintlock configuration and has unusually strong rifling remaining (most are "shot out" or bored out for shotgun use). The metal is mostly smooth except around the touch hole and flash pan, and the wood is fine with one repair opposite the lock.

The 1803 Harper's Ferry Rifle has the distinction of being the first American designed rifle to be produced in a US armory. The "Louis and Clark" nickname derives from the 1803 Louis and Clark expedition to explore the West. Meriwether Louis did visit Harpers Ferry in 1802 to procure weapons for the expedition, but he is believed to have carried the model 1797, or possibly early prototypes of the 1803, but not any production 1803s.

The 1803 was produced in two blocks, from 1803 through 1807, then following renewed hostilities with England and the subsequent War of 1812, production was continued from 1813 through 1820. Compared to the first block rifles, second block rifles were not serial numbered, had longer barrels, a slightly different lock design, and more drop to the barrel for easier sighting. They are a very handsome rifle, deriving much of their design from the "Kentucky Rifle", known for its accuracy, reliability, and lethality in the hands of a marksman.

This .62-caliber; 36-inch octagonal to round barrel. Marked "HARPERS/FERRY/1819" in vertical lines at the rear of the reconverted lockplate; also, eagle with "US" on shield. The proof marks at the rear of the barrel are sharp but the inspector marks on the stock are faint. The barrel marked on left of breech with "US" in oval over an eagle and "P." Thick barrel rib; metal ramrod with brass trumpet tip; brass furnishings. The barrel with brown patina overall with some refinish at the breech of the barrel; lock parts are gray and brown with some aging. Stock has been broken and repaired at the side plate, there is another repair between the breech and the lock...small wood replacement of top forend of lock plateau; small wood replacement at right side of tang behind breech. The patch-box cover is slightly out of plumb and dinged at latch as depicted. Brass parts with good patina. Mechanically good.

459-1/FYSS

Price: $4,975

If you are interested in buying this item, please call (978) 597-8084 or email David Hillier at drh@aaawt.com or Aaron Littlefield at ajl@aaawt.com

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