Lot 162

Nathan Starr U.S. Contract 1816 Flintlock Musket Dated 1832

Previous image preload Next image preload

Nathan Starr U.S. Contract 1816 Flintlock Musket Dated 1832

Estimate: $2,500 - $4,500

Starting Bid: $2,000

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 21, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Exceptional Nathan Starr U.S. Contract Model 1816 Flintlock Musket with Brown Lacquer Finish Dated 1832 The Model 1816 musket was one of the most prolific firearms in the pre-Civil War United States. Over 675,000 were manufactured at the national armories, and thousands more were manufactured by private contractors. Many of these muskets were converted to percussion, and they saw use into the Civil War era. Reportedly, Nathan Starr Jr. manufactured 15,530 Model 1816s between 1829-1840 in Middletown, Connecticut. This earlier example has the correct floral motif below the date on the lock and has mostly standard markings and features. However, while nearly all Starr muskets are reported to have had the armory bright finish, this example is one of a smaller amount made with the brown lacquer type finish typically associated with the Hall rifles of the period. "US" above a sunburst and "N. STARR" in an arch at the center of the lock, and "MIDDtn/CONN/1832" followed by a floral motif/star at the tail of the lock. "US" above "JM" (Justin Murphy) and a shielded "P" proof marked on top of the barrel at the breech ahead of the date "1832" on the barrel tang. Oval script "LS" (Luther Sage) inspection cartouche stamped on the left flat and an oval script "DT" (Daniel Tyler) inspection cartouche on the comb just ahead of the buttplate tang.

Manufacturer: N. Starr

Model: 1816

BBL: 42 inch round

Stock: walnut

Gauge: 69

Finish: brown/casehardened

Serial NumberNSN

Class: Antique

  • Condition: Very fine, appears to have seen no period use at all, retains 80% plus original brown lacquer finish with some scattered flaking and dark surface oxidation likely from storage on the balance, 75% plus vivid original case colors showing through scattered mild corrosion, and absolutely sharp markings and edges in the metal overall. Stock is near excellent with attractive original raised grain, a few scratches and storage marks, a few chips at the toe, a small crack ahead of the buttplate tang, distinct edges and exceptionally crisp stamps. Mechanically excellent.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Rock Island Auction will contact you shortly after the auction has completed. We will arrange for shipping and or pickup.

Rock Island Auction Company

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 30% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000