This arm was the first regulation infantry arm to incorporate the percussion cap ignition system.  It was also the last of the smooth bore arms.  Further, it was the last .69 caliber arm, being replaced in the Model 1855 by a .58 caliber barrel to accommodate the “Minie” ball.  According to “Arms Makers of the Connecticut Valley”, there were approximately 175,000 M1842 muskets made. 

     This specimen is marked on the lock plate in the rear of the hammer “SPRING” “FIELD” “1847” in three vertical lines reading to the rear.  In front of the hammer, “US” under an eagle looking rearward.  The barrel is 42 inches long, finished bright and marked “V” “P” with eagle head and dated 1846 on the breech tang.  Also on the breech tang is stamped “48”.  The bayonet is marked “US” “J”.