M-1842 Springfield Musket dated 1848. This Musket along with a pair of epaulettes, (lot 50c), were consigned from the Fearing Family with a Family History of both the Musket & the Epaulettes having been passed down in the family from the original owner, John Bartlett Fearing, a captain in the Confederate Army who was stationed on Roanoke Island during the Battle of Roanoke Island.
Research does confirm the family history of John Bartlett Fearing though the items are not otherwise marked and the provenance is heavily weighed on the family history. Additional research indicates that both the Musket & Epaulettes (which have rifleman buttons) were issues and in use prior to the civil war. John Fearing was a Solider Prior to the outbreak of the civil war when he succeeded to the confederacy in 1861.
John Bartlett Fearing mustered into Co I ,17th NC volunteers which was formerly the 7th Volunteers. The company was assembled at Plymouth, North Carolina, in June, 1861. Its companies were recruited in the counties of Pasquotank, Edgecombe, Hertford, Bertie, Currituck, and Beaufort. There are 2 books out recounting the history of the Battle, both with excerpts from Fearings' Diary telling the story of the Battle of R.I.
The Lock currently not functioning but the musket is complete and displays very well with no structural issues. 69cal. Light scuffs and moderate wear with later initials carved into the stock.
Overall an impressive, 1 of a kind piece of local history that deserves to be in a museum on display. Full Length: 58" Overall.
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