Springfield Model 1816 Musket with name "William" carved in gunstock

Source catalog description

This description refers to material held by Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Visual details below describe the original material.

Model 1816 Musket, wooden gunstock and metal barrel and furniture. Carved into the stock is [William]. A last name may be carved as well but is illegible. [VVV] is carved into metal butt. Etched into the lock plate is [FIELD / 1838] - ostensibly referring to the Springfield Armory but with "SPRING" completely worn away. Old Slave Mart Museum label states musket was used to shoot paper pellets at birds threatening crops.

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