T. French Model 1808 Flintlock Militia Musket

Thomas French, Phineas Blake, and Adam Kinsley, of Canton, Massachusetts, received a government contract for 4,000 muskets on October 20, 1808. These contract muskets were patterned after the Harpers Ferry Model 1795 musket, but the hammer profile more closely resembles that of a Springfield-produced model. This militia musket was purchased by the state of Massachusetts.

Model 1808 T. F. French (U.S.) Contract Flint-lock Musket (single-shot/ muzzle-loading/ black powder/ ball ammunition) Renewed fear of war with England prompted Congress, in its wisdom, to authorize contracts for the manufacture of additional military muskets. By 1808, 18 contracts had been let, among them one to T. F. French of Canton, Massachusetts. This example was manufactured as a result of that contract. Two aspects of these contracts are significant. First, all of the contractors were residents of northern states, which were becoming increasingly industrialized; having water power, steel, lead, wood, and technical knowledge. Second, the French Model 1763 Musket was still used as a pattern arm because military thinkers were not yet ready for change. War with England did come in 1812. On the whole, neither side really won, but the United States succeeded in gaining the respect of Europe, particularly for its Naval fervor. --Dr. William L. Roberts, THE AMERICAN LIBERTY COLLECTION; #33