So if Getz was marking his guns as an inspector, Whelan probably adopted his initials IW in a cartouche to denote his work. cit./Table D) The totals agree from two different sources, giving credibility to 4,015 total production. How inspections were done before this time is unknown as well as any markings that may have been applied during the process. This error came from measuring the bores of the rifle at the muzzle, not considering that the muzzle is swamped to allow insertion of the patched ball with the thumb. The most notable and significant difference in the Serial Number 15 rifle is the STRAIGHT upper ramrod thimble, indicating production prior to Dearborns December changes. The expedition became an epic tale of hardship, perseverance and survival that still draws great interest after 200 years. Designed with rifling for accurate long distance shooting, this weapon could shoot 300 yards. Harpers Ferry was quite capable of building his 15 short rifles between March and July of 1803, as well as completing a substantial number of military contract rifles in the same year. (Hicks, op. Edward Flanagan, who wrote a paper on the 1792 and 1807 contract rifles, believes that the weapons were marked by the U.S. government, a lesson learned from gun thefts during the Revolutionary War. An entry of April 12, 1806 just might confirm this We caused all the men who had short rifles to carry them, in order to be prepared for the nativs should they make attempts to rob or injure them. Riflemen were taught the basic drills of Company and Battalion Drill but then left alone to act alone under their officers & NCOs. The most convincing evidence of the use of the new Model 1800 short rifle on the Voyage of Discovery comes from entries in the various journals kept on the expedition by Lewis, Clark, and his Sergeants. Asspecified by Knox the bore is .49 caliber, tumbler has a fly with set triggers, barrel length is 44-1/2 and barrel mounted with lateral keys. 1792/1794 Lewis and Clark Contract Rifle This RECREATED EXPEDITION RIFLE has been crafted based on the careful study of the five presently-known surviving examples (two of which are signed by Jacob Dickert) of the U.S. "Publick" Rifles in stores at Harpers Perry when Meriwether Lewis arrived in 1803. Examination of rifles from this period confirms this phenomenon, to the point that they were omitted from many American made muskets of the Revolution. Our first Handbook for Riflemen, by William Duane, 1812. That was modified to a 42-inch long barrel in .49 caliber, with a well-seasoned maple stock and a flintlock. the majority were issued through Harpers Ferry. Extra Parts of Locks and Tools for Repairing Arms, 15 Gun Slings, It is believed that many of these rifles were A letter from Samuel Hodgdon to Israel Whelan, dated October 14, 1800, requests him to purchase fifty pounds of thick & thin sheet brass for use at Harpers Ferry. ((24)(19) From personal experience (working for the government), the same practice of delayed production reporting to meet budgeting constraints continues today within government production facilities. The barrel was not protected by a wood stock (soft iron barrels were easily bent by soldiers misuse) and it did not mount a bayonet or carry a sling which became important for the mounted infantry concept. What a story this rifle could tell! (40), Lewis now has in his hands, at the minimum, 108 pounds of best rifle powder, more than enough to retrace his footsteps again. Jedediah Starr Trading Co. On Line Store. The fiscal year 1804 was the same as the calendar year until 1838, so storekeeper production reporting of new weapons built in 1803 may simply be the result of Harpers Ferry exceeding their new production budget for the year 1803, forcing them to delay production reporting until fiscal year 1804. the 200 rifled carbines purchased by the British from Germany (Germanic Pattern 1776) and the 800 rifled carbines that followed (British Pattern 1776) based upon the Germanic rifle and the 100 plug guns (Ferguson Rifle). The groups listed below should give the collector an idea of serial numbers ranges to be found within yearly production, viz. Dearborn's letter specifies in great detail the type of rifle the armory (16) This confirms that by 1803 the need for a standard rifle was fully recognized by the Army. These were divided into smaller sections (called divisions, sub-divisions, twenty platoons and forty sections) for field maneuvers. All of the above are estimated 1803 production SN ranges based upon the earliest serial number of a confirmed 1804 dated rifle (as done with each year block). Second is a the very long-standing misplaced faith in the 1822 reconstructed Bomford records indicating that no short rifles (even prototypes) were made in 1803. During our research, we found no recorded instances of any octagon barrel ever bursting. The available inspectors of that period were very limited. Throughout this article, to avoid confusion, we use caliber for bore size and calibre for ball size (as the French did in their early writings).(14). By the manual, a rifle regiment consisted of 1000 men formed into 10 companies of two battalions, each battalion containing 500 men (5 companies each). It is a well- balanced and a fine example of the long rifle makers work. The Anticipating an extended trip into an uncharted wilderness, Lewis wisely requested a supply of spare locks, perhaps as many as 15, to be used as needed, either in whole or part to keep his rifles serviceable. John Shields, the man who fixed everything, including Lewiss airgun, returned to the Missouri to roam with Daniel Boone, a reputed relative. Having lost his kit to the Indians several times, his Model 1800 rifle ended up in Indian hands early in his trapping career. The new heptagonal rifling allowed more shots between cleaning, making it better than the English Baker Rifle. Lewis wrote Jefferson on April 20, 1803 from Lancaster, Pa., explaining the difficulty encountered in building the iron frame of the portable boat, and goes on to note, My Rifles, Tomahawks & Knives are preparing at Harpers Ferry, and are already in a state of forwardness that leaves me little doubt of their being in readiness in due time.(12). When he died in 1800, Whelan was appointed to the office. He recognized the connection of the Model 1800 rifle to the expedition, going as far as to say that they were prototypes and not the Army contract 1803 rifle.(29). This may have been done as part of an actual arsenal (or state) overhaul or just to enhance their value to a collector. Henry Rifle Lee Repeating Rifle Marlin Lever Actions Military Longarms Pre-1816 Muskets 1st Model Brown Bess 2nd & 3rd Model Brown Bess Muskets Charleville Musket M1803 and M1814 Rifles M1816 Musket M1817 Common Rifle M1835 US Musket Austrian CW Rifle M1841 US Rifle (Mississippi Rifle) M1842 Springfield Musket M1851 US Cadet and M1847 US Musketoon Loss of a mold meant the loss of a rifles use. I included it to show that the lettering was all hand stamped on his 15 rifles. Could it have been one of the rifles that were shortened and given to the Indians? SN 94, (2)14 and 359 are pre-Dec 1803 military production, both with December,1803 requested upgrades (front band and sight change) except for the upper ramrod pipe. Lewiss men were the first to use the new short rifle and no doubt practiced some of the same shooting principles incorporated into the 1812 Riflemans manual. (49) James Kendall Hosmer, ed., Gasss Journal of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, (Mansfield Centre: Lone Wolf Press, 1999, Reprint of 1904 edition of Gasss Journal), Pgs. These weights probably varied due to the purity of the lead of that period. The Model 1800-1819 series of rifles are one of the most tampered with rifles in the collecting world. The best information on these first military contract rifles comes from George D. Mollers book American Military Shoulder Arms, Vol 2, 1790s to the end of the Flintlock period(1993). These actions undoubtedly brought to conclusion the desired purchase of the entire Louisiana territory, to include New Orleans, in April,1803, averting a war which neither Spain nor France knew they could win. of the Harpers Ferry Arsenal Joseph Perkin, and the 8 July 1803 letter (50) On August 6, 1805, Lewiss air rifle had the sights knocked off by an accident with the canoes rolling over. (13) Major James E. Hicks, U.S. Military Firearms/ 1776-1956, (James E. Hicks & Son, 1962), Pg. At 100 yards, the odds were very much in favor of being struck by an American rifle ball whereas a British soldier, using the smoothbore musket, could shoot all day and probably not strike a man sized target at 100 yards, thus our riflemen were greatly feared. Only if a pattern lock, complete with pan and mounting holes, was furnished to a gunsmith prior to production (such as was obviously done with the 15 extra locks made for Lewiss rifles)could any degree of interchangeability become possible.(15). This will clarify why these rifles were totally unsuitable for Lewiss needs. But some say that a one third of the weight of the ball is not too much; experience shows that to shoot at 250 to 300 yards, one fourth or a fifth is enough. cit., Pg. (5) To begin to unravel the controversy surrounding the type of rifle carried on the Voyage of Discovery, we need to examine how the short rifles appeared on the scene. This all gets confusing when using British and French documents for research and reference. 26. Early production retained the heptagonal rifling if using a pre-rifled barrel from old stock, later production (about mid 1815) used the new round bottomed rifling if using a new made barrel. were the prototype for the M1803 rifle. The original sight on SN 15 still had blueing on the underside. Model 1792 riflemans horn(our desination). of powder with 2 balls. Initially 908 rifles went to Ft. Pitt and 100 to Virginia. locks and spare lock parts for each rifle. After that date barrels ofall lengths carried full octagon breeches to strengthen that area. It is the first style American issue military horn. After that date they were altered to the flat profile partridge sight. 127-132. This brass could only have been for the M1800 rifle project that takes two thicknesses. These dates and passages are very important to the researcher. Unfortunately he died May 7, 1812, not at hostile hands, but by jaundice (another term for blood poisoning). Also, ALL 1803 and some early 1804 rifles carry Joseph Perkins inspector cartouche IP in a circle. The above lists are as accurate a yearly production record we can hope to reconstruct based upon known rifles instead of conflicting documents. It is interesting to note that those guns were marked with a U.S. on the top flat of the barrel and carry a P and C inspector mark. Usually, as common sense would dictate, only one pattern rifle was made at a time. In 1807-1808, Colter explored over 500 miles of new country with only a rifle and a 30-pound pack, including the wonders of Yellowstone Park. The early Harper's Ferry Rifle thought to have been carried by some of the members of the Lewis and Clark expedition might have played a part in the development of the early Hawken model. All 1814 and into about mid-production 1815 used left over barrels from the first production run. Since we could not personally examine all the guns serial numbers submitted, we had to acknowledge them as either confirmed (examined and assembly numbers matching) or unconfirmed (unexamined and unknown if assembly numbers match). The rib assembly was then SOFT SOLDERED to the barrel. One truth remains our riflemen did things with their weapons that awed those who observed. and re-bored. 127-135; and Francis B. Heitman, Historical Register and Dictionary of the United States Army, from its Organization, September 29,1789, to March 2, 1903, 2 Volumes. Top is SN 909, bottom is SN 1 of our rifles built on SN 15 rifle pattern. These are true mountain man or Indian decorations. If any gun could talk, this would be the one that would tell some great stories. DuPont rifle powder (FFFg) made its appearance in the market in 1808, probably at the request of the U.S. Government since it is the same year the first rifle regiment was raised. This was enough to hold 208 pounds of the 226 special powder carried, with 18 pounds left for immediate use just about right to fill 15 horns for the start of the journey and to practice with the new rifles. Gunsmiths from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, produced these. His position as Arsenal Superintendent gave him access to a large reference collection of various types of rifles stored at the arsenal, including samples of British rifles of the American Revolution with their proven technology using fine German rifle powder (SDS), all of which found its way into the new United States Army short rifle.(11). 106-107. It meant that one person used a pattern piece of some sort to make them interchangeable. The butt end of the ramrod should be concaved suited to the shape of the Ball the locks should be light and well executed the mounting should be brass there should be at least two thousand of these rifles made. (Footnote 18). It became very clear to me (as it would be to anyone who read them) that they carried a short rifle made at Harpers Ferry with interchangeable locks which Lewis himself picked up at the arsenal so I got involved in the M1792 vs. M1803 controversy. From September 12 to 15, 1862, Confederate forces under Gen. "Stonewall" Jackson besieged the 13,000-man garrison at Harpers Ferry resulting in the largest surrender of American troops until World War II.. How It Ended. Sometime in 1804 breech contour became octagon rather than round (and continued to end of all production) to possibly reinforce this area. Most reconversions are easy to spot, but we have seen original rifles that have had the touchhole bushed (using hardened iron or brass) which will not erode. from Congress for an amazing endeavor. The lowest serial number we have examined with the 1803 changes or updates is No. The .520 calibre pure lead cast balls used for test shooting the Model 1800 rifles weighed in at 208 grains (pure refined modern lead). List of individual weapons of the U.S. Armed Forces, "Papers of the War Department, Authorization to Contract with Manufacturer for Rifles", "Corps of Discovery Rifles of the Expedition". The rifles Lewis took with him were built under Army contract in 1792 and 1794. An 1812 publication The Handbook for Riflemen by William Duane, second in command of the United States Regiment of Riflemen from 1808 to 1810, states A rifleman is never supposed to leave his rifle unloaded, and contrary to the rule of the infantry, who always carry their arms on the left shoulder, the rifleman carries his, unless he shifts it for rest, on his right side, either trailed or at the advance.(47). Whitehouse used she when describing the air gun on August 30, 1804, and Lewis uses it again on August 7, 1805 ..my air gun was out of order and her sights had been removed by some accedent.. This indicates that when Lewis writes where she was manufactured, he is not referring to the lock, but rather the rifle itself. These assembly numbers are found on almost every part of the gun and are important when checking the originality of any rifle. The fact that the heptagonal rifling was dropped during the second production indicates that the added production time and expense was not justified. In the 1950s, when gun collecting became big, many were converted back to flint. There is really no mystery as to the type of rifles Lewis took for his expedition. This list, with its confirmed serial numbers and lock dates, produces a relatively good chart to judge the authenticity of any rifles made between 1803-1806. Note placement of serial number on barrel. from Lewis to Jefferson, it appears that Lewis had the arsenal shorten Entries in the Journals pertaining to the short rifles: Lewis: March 20,1806 The guns of Drewyer and Sergt. It is believed that the Model 1792 Contract Rifle was quite possibly the rifle issued to the Lewis & Clark expedition from the Harper's Ferry Arsenal for the Expedition of Discovery. Such lists are both incomplete and inaccurate; they omit arms from years when existing specimens show that they were made; and they exaggerate the number made there during certain years by incautiously jumbling Model 1800 rifles, Snipper rifles, Wallpieces, Whale guns, and barrels only which were furnished both to contractors and to militia companies, all in one list. Another goal was to find the mythical North West passage, a water route to the Pacific. Rolled cartridges were reserved for close order fire only. This acquisition of a large quantity of rifle powder is very significant since the only weapon requiring this expensive powder (three times the cost of regular powder) was the new short rifle. 42-inch barrel that featured a patch-box with a push-button release. Washington, DC; GPO, 1903). ). This pipe could not be changed for reasons explained in the text. The War Department expended $9520.49 in 1799 on new arms manufacturing yet manufacturing of muskets did not get well under way until 1801. It was Coxe (for whom Whelan worked) who placed an order for 1000 of the 1794 rifles. 1800) prototypes. With such confusing instructions, the wide range of gunsmiths making the rifles assured inconsistencies especially when the changes were requested while guns were already in production. The arsenal had no part in the 1792/94 contract rifles and none were ever stored there. Our first rifle manual was published 1812 as The Handbook for Riflemen, written by William Duane, second in command of the United States Regiment of Riflemen from 1808 to 1810. 2. The term short rifle, coined by Dearborn 1803 to make a distinction between it and the old pattern long rifles, appears throughout the journals kept by different members and it means just what it is was intended to mean the new Model 1800 rifle. Between March and May of 1803, based upon his convincing proof, Dearborn made the important decision that the newly designed Model 1800 short rifle being built for Lewiss expedition was also perfect for the U.S. Armys needs. Select an option Straight Maple 1/2 Stock (0-30% Curl - $90) Curly Maple 1/2 Stock Grd II (35-65% Curl - $105) Curly Maple 1/2 Stock Grd III (70-85% Curl - $150.) That answer emerges clearly if we put the smaller pieces of the puzzle into one large finished picture. In additional correspondence of February 4,1792, barrel lengths of 42 were requested with 40 balls to the pound (.49 caliber bore). Fifteen Harpers Ferry Model 1792 rifles are believed to have All Harpers Ferry series rifles are .520 calibre (ball) with .530 bore. Louisiana Purchase. Both terms began to appear in period documents as soon as production of the M1803 rifle started. sum of $2,500.00 to fund a small expeditionary group, known as the 42" rifled barrel bored 40 balls to the pound (about .490"), stock to be made from well seasoned maple, catch spring release to be high so as to be accessible to the thumb.
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