I bought this on Black Friday. It was originally a US Model 1816 smoothbore flintlock .69 caliber musket, most likely a Type II or III. It was converted by Frankford Arsenal in about 1858 with a Remington-made percussion Maynard Tape-lock and also rifled.. Still in .69 caliber. Around 20,000 of these conversions were done and many saw service in the Civil War. Mine is one of ones that did not get fitted with a "long range" rear sight (and in fact has no rear sight at all and was never fitted with one).
I'm happy to have it and it seems very solid. As with nearly everything I buy, I DO plan to shoot it if it is solid and safe (as it seems). I have not done any cleaning yet. The bore looks quite good without major pitting. The entire length of the bore looks like what I have pictured.
Not sure if that is writing in another language behind the buttplate screw, or just some marks. (Looks kinds of like Arabic, or the writing of Nepal or Ethiopia maybe?)
I have not yet opened the Maynard door to check on the guts. The hammer locks solidly at both half- and full-cock with very strong mainspring pressure. Ramrod comes out easily. Its head is very bulbous and is actually domed rather than dished for ball or bullet (these were intended for a .69-caliber Minie-type bullet). I did not note any cracks in the stock.
As usual, I welcome comments and input on this old timer! Thanks.
Rob