North America, United States, Massachusetts, Springfield, ca. 1795 CE. A gorgeous Springfield Model 1795 musket with a stock carved from a single piece of caramel brown hardwood. The cylindrical iron barrel is held within the forestock via three thin ringlets with a lower slot for a ram rod, and the smooth back stock is lined along the butt with a curved brass plate. The iron flintlock firing mechanism features a hammer with an adjustable flint clamp behind a hinged strike plate above a petite flash pan, and the thick trigger is housed within a semicircular guard. Applied along one side of the back stock are dozens of brass tacks which spell out "OLD GUARD," the name of the 3rd active-duty infantry unit of the U.S. Army formed in 1784. An American eagle and "US" along with "Springfield" are stamped on the lock plate, Size: 57.2" L (145.3 cm); (barrel): 41.9" L (106.4 cm); (bore): 0.7" W (1.8 cm)

The 3d U.S. Infantry, traditionally known as "The Old Guard," is the oldest active-duty infantry unit in the Army, serving our nation since 1784. The Old Guard is the Army's official ceremonial unit and escort to the president, and it also provides security for Washington, D.C., in time of national emergency or civil disturbance. The unit received its unique name from Gen. Winfield Scott during a victory parade at Mexico City in 1847 following its valorous performance in the Mexican War. Fifty campaign streamers attest to the 3d Infantry's long history of service, which spans from the Battle of Fallen Timbers to World War II and Vietnam.

Provenance: private Glorieta, New Mexico, USA collection, acquired in the early 2010s; ex-Randy Sutton collection

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#159218

Original ram rod missing as shown. Loosening to central ringlet around barrel, with abrasions to stock, barrel, trigger, and trigger guard, and softening to some stamped hallmarks on lock plate, otherwise excellent. Wonderful patina throughout. Trigger still enables hammer to fall when hammer is cocked back, however rifle has not been tested for firing functionality.