RARE**1841 Dated American Frontier Deringer Model 1817 .54 Calibre Black Powder Muzzle Loading Flintlock \'Common Rifle\' With patch box Single Shot .54 Rifles

**RARE**1841 Dated American Frontier Deringer Model 1817 .54 Calibre Black Powder Muzzle Loading Flintlock 'Common Rifle' With Patch Box & Iron Ram Rod. Sn 21270 - 21270

The M1817 common rifle (also known as Deringer M1817 rifle) was a flintlock muzzle-loaded weapon issued due to the Dept. of Ordnance's order of 1814, produced by Henry Deringer and used from the 1820s to 1840s at the American frontier. Referred to as the “Common Rifle” by both collectors and historians. It derived its name due to that it was being manufactured simultaneously with the Hall’s Rifle and the 1817 was the more common of the two (the Hall being a breech loading weapon), but there was definitely nothing common about this unique offering to U.S. martial weapons. Unlike the half octagon barrelled M1814 common rifle that preceded it, it had a barrel that was round for most of its length. The 36” barrel was rifled for .54 calibre bullets. For rifling it had seven grooves. Like the M1814 common rifle, it had a large oval patch box in the stock, however the stock dropped steeper than on the M1814 common rifle. After producing the M1814 common rifle through contractors, the military decided to do the same with the M1817 rifle. The Harper's Ferry Arsenal produced a pattern weapon, which was then taken to gunsmiths to be copied. The rifle was built by Henry Deringer of Philadelphia (13,000 made), Nathan Starr & Co. of Middleton, Conn. (10,200 made), Simeon North of Middleton, Conn. (7,200 made), R. Johnson of Middleton, Conn. (5,000 made), R. & J. D. Johnson of Middleton, Conn. (3,000 made). During the American Civil War, some of these flintlocks were converted to percussion. This is a very good rare to find muzzle loading Derringer M1817 flintlock rifle. This example has all original wood stock which has just the bumps & bruises to be expected with age & use. It has iron fittings including trigger guard with extended tang, butt plate, barrel bands, fore end block, iron ramrod & hinged patchbox. The rifle measures 51” overall with a 36” round steel barrel. The barrel has JH over P inspection marks. The barrel’s bore has the correct deep cut 7 groove rifling which has just light staining consistent with age. The rifle is fitted with blade fore sight and peep rear sight. Its steel cock fitted with flint. The lock plate is dated 1841 and is signed ‘Deringer Philada’. The metal work has even patina. The cocking and firing actions are crisp. The price for this rare flintlock includes UK delivery. NB As an antique flintlock firearm no licence is required to own this item in the UK if retained as part of a collection or display. Sn 21270

£1,675.00