November 15 & 16, 2022 Extraordinary Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/15/2022
A well-constructed sporting arm converted from a scarce Johnson Type III M1816 musket. Johnson only produced 600 M1816 muskets between 1829 and 1834. This example retains its original 42" .69 caliber smoothbore barrel with an added brass blade front sight and a V-notch rear sight. Convex lock plate is marked in the center "US / (Federal eagle) / JOHNSON" with additional "1833" date and "MIDDL CONN." in a vertical arc near the tail. Converted to percussion in the Belgian cone style. The original walnut stock retaining a faint cartouche, "US" marked iron butt plate and trigger guard. The barrel bands have been removed with the spring retaining slots carefully filled in with splices and the stock pinned in place. 2 sheet brass thimbles have been added for the iron ramrod. This comes with a 1965 signed affidavit by a family member that the musket descended from Benjamin Fleagle, who was born on November 24, 1809. Fleagel lived near Taneytown, Maryland, and was remembered for his involvement as a church elder at churches in Uniontown, Mayberry, Frizzleburg, and Greenwood, occasionally riding the circuit when the preacher was not able. He lived a very fulfilling life and passed away on February 12, 1890. Before being altered for civilian use, the musket likely saw service in the Maryland militia. Also included is an older copy of a photograph of Fleagle. CONDITION: Fine as converted. Iron components have turned an attractive mottled silvery brown patina. Stock only shows some minor impressions with some evidence of light cleaning. Mechanically fine. BAS
Caliber/Bore
.70 Smoothbore
Paperwork
Provenance, Information