U.S. MODEL 1803 RIFLE Description
.54 cal., lockplate marked with eagle, "U.S." and "Harpers Ferry" with date marked vertically, single shot, muzzleloader, 33 in. part octagon/part round rifled barrel with actual length varying from approx. 32 to 33 1/2 in., later mfg. have 36 in. barrel, fasented by sliding key to stock, ribbing under barrel, marked "U.S." inside oval, eagle's head and "P", blade front sight, open type rear sight, brass mountings, bright metal finish, walnut half stock, brass buttstock, steel ramrod with brass tip. Mfg. circa 1803-1807. RF=1.
The U.S. Model 1803 Flintlock Rifle is the only muzzleloading flintlock rifle created by U.S. National Armories and saw considerable use during the War of 1812.