Originally ordered by the U.S. government in 1792, the Pattern 1792 U.S. Contract Rifle saw use during the Whiskey Rebellion, Lewis and Clark expedition and the War of 1812. In March of 1803 Captain Lewis had 15 of the rifles refitted with new locks from Harpers Ferry (where the guns were in storage) and was supplied with extra parts for those locks for the coming expedition. Many of the original rifles were produced in the Lancaster region, supplied by makers such as Jacob Dickert. This reproduction rifle would by typical of a contract rifle used 200 years ago to help the budding American democracy realize the dream that would become Manifest Destiny.
The original specifications of the 1792 Contract rifles were to have 42" barrels, bored to 40 balls to the pound, a seasoned maple stock, and a fly in the tumbler of the lock. Stocked in maple, the rifle is trimmed in the proper brass furniture and fitted with a 1803 Harper's Ferry lock. Many surviving examples have the Harper's Ferry locks and it is thought that the original locks were replaced for the War of 1812. This rifle appears to have been stored for a long time and has a mellow patina on the brass with some darker patina on the patchbox head. Weighing in at 9.6 pounds this 1792 Contract Rifle has a trigger reach of 13-3/4" making it perfectly suited for today's average size shooter.
The .49 caliber barrel, is cut rifled with seven lands and grooves in a slow twist for round balls. Measuring 42" in length the octagon barrel has been neatly browned a nice chocolate color and is stamped with a circle P at the quarter flat of the breech just ahead of the breech plug tang. Internally the bore is bright and clean, ready to shoot. The barrel is fitted with a brass blade front sight and a flat top rear sight is dovetailed 10-1/2" ahead of the breech.
Stocked in maple, the rifle is trimmed in the proper brass furniture. The stock appears to be as-new with no handling marks. Trimmed in bright brass furniture the buttplate is neatly shaped with paneled flats and a wedding band transition. The patchbox release button is positioned just ahead of the buttplate heel. The brass patchbox is retained with three domed head steel screws and resembles the later 1803 Harpers Ferry patchbox. The patchbox release button is stiff and the wood around the door is tightly inlet. Opening the patchbox reveals a deep cavity for storing flints, jags, or other accessories.
Our bottom view of the rifle shows the base of the maple stock and the brass triggerguard that has been fit to the rifle. A steel swivel loop is mounted to through the stock, in the manor of the a period painting. Three brass ramrod pipes secure the 3/8" diameter ramrod to the rifle. The ramrod is fitted with a brass tip threaded 8-32 to accept loading and cleaning accessories. The buttstock is shaped with a classic square cheek piece. A classic military style sideplate is fitted to the rifle. The rear lock bolt engages the lock plate.
Ignition for the rifle is provided by this R.E. Davis 1803 flint lock. This is thought to be the lock that was used when Captain Lewis requested that the 15 rifles get new locks in March of 1803, along with a large quantity of spare parts. It was that lock, it is thought, which was then used to produce the 1803 Harper’s Ferry rifle. Many of the 1795 Contract Muskets were later fitted with 1803 dated locks for use in the War of 1812. The lock has strong internals and is properly tuned and assembled for optimum performance. The lock frizzen is unmarked, unsparked. A direct drilled vent hole is well positioned on the pan of the lock. Below the lock the single trigger has been properly pinned to give good leverage against the sear.
If you are looking for a 1792 Contract Rifle to add to your U.S. military longarms collection, or for a late 18th and early 19th century historical event, then consider this fine piece today. Order it for a ten day visual inspection. You will be delighted. Else if it does not fit you, return it in unfired condition for same-day refund. Postage is your only risk, when you order any one-of-a-kind gun from Track, whether new, used, or antique.
