I have a M1795 musket of the early Springfield type but no Springfield mark. It seems to have all the characteristics of a 1795, but only "H.O. Pittsfield" on the lockplate?
Were some of the early American 1795's made by other manufacturers?
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I have a M1795 musket of the early Springfield type but no Springfield mark. It seems to have all the characteristics of a 1795, but only "H.O. Pittsfield" on the lockplate?
Were some of the early American 1795's made by other manufacturers?
Could be a 1798 or 1808 Militia Act musket. I'll have to pull out my reference books when I get home and take a look. They both follow the general pattern of the 1795.
I have taken a look through my copy of United States Martial Flintlocks by Reilly. Your musket isn't a 1795, as they were manufactured by Springfield Armory and Harpers Ferry. My best guess is that it is a 1798/1808/1812 musket. Can you post clear photographs of any markings/stampings on the lock, barrel (at the breech) and any surviving marks on the stock? The only manufacturers listed from Pittsfield Mass. are Jason Mills , lock markings J.Mills over Pittsfield and Lemuel Pomeroy, with a variety of markings depending on the contract.
The absence of an eagle with US above on the lockplate leads me to believe the musket is a state contract piece.
Thanks guys. I don't have means to photo the musket. Can't see any markings on the stock (has Springfield fluting along sides), but a large P, eagle head, and V on the breech of the barrel. Only the word 'H.O. Pittsfield' on the lock. The rear of the lockplate has extended point (teat). Curled toe on frizzen bottom. Hammer is flat, with curled top. But detachable flashpan. Has a long 44.75 inch long barrel.
The arrangement of the name is in front of the hammer and like this (with HO over the middle of Pittsfield). :
H.O.
PITTSFIELD
The only maker with the initials HO that I have come across is H Osborne, but he was from Springfield Mass. and produced militia muskets between 1812 and 1830. My best guess is that this is a Militia musket for Massachussetts of the 1798/1808/1812 pattern, produced by a maker in Pittsfield whose identity is lost to antiquity.
P.S. You said it has a detachable flashpan... is it iron or brass?
The detachable flashpan (with a screw) is made of iron. Thx. Ivan