For Sale: Middlesex Village 1816 Springfield

[JustinPrince]

Yes folks, this is the gun I had problems with. Middlesex finally got the barrel back to me.

The rundown. The problem was that the breech plug was not tightened by whoever made it in India. They have tightened it, and I compared it with the photos I had taken of it and the timing marks now line up, as well as you can tell where the tang has been slightly marred by their breech removal tool.

At my request, they proofed the barrel. They used 138 grains of 2F powder and 2 .672cal lead balls. They even stamped the barrel with NHP for New Hampshire Proof House to indicate this particular barrel was proofed, and sent me a spec sheet indicating measurements of the barrel, and details of the proof. I will include this with the sale.

The musket has two small problems. The first is the length, it has a 45 inch barrel, and when in the stock the musket is about 2 inches longer than an original. The butt also had a high comb, but I have reshaped that to look like an 1832 dated original I saw. You can probably further reshape it if you want. I have also shortened the ramrod, so that it doesn't protrude past the muzzle.

The other problem is the lock. If you slowly squeeze, it will hang up on half cock. The lock requires a deliberate trigger pull to fire. If you wanted you could send it in to Middlesex as they ensure the locks for life.

I have listed both problems up front, because I don't want you to get the musket, find out about them, and then want a refund. I'm done with this musket, so all sales are final. Musket has a few handling dings, and slight tarnishing on the lock and barrel from blank firing (no more than 15 blanks).

What the musket will come with: the sling they sent me, which is correct for an 18th century gun but not for a US musket, a hammerstall, a bag of .672cal lead balls. Will also include all their user manuals they sent me.

Asking $490 shipped. It will cost me probably about $35 to ship this thing, both for shipping and for finding a box. If you figure that means I get $455, that means you are getting a musket that is proofed and looks more correct that what MVT sells at $595. Payment is money order only.

Also, no flash guard is included. Middlesex never sent me one, despite promising too.

Thanks!

[JustinPrince]

On hold pending trade deal.