A fascinating historical piece, this large bore flintlock rifle was issued by the U.S. military in 1820 to Captain Laban Hersey of Higham, MA. Impressive weapon measuring 57" in length is a muzzle-loading action type firearm utlizing a hammer holding piece of flint that strikes a spring-loaded frizzen/pan cover to produce ignition. Various stampings on the metal parts to the gun denote its origins and history, which is reinforced by accompanying military papers regarding general courts martials, review of troops, formation of a rifle corps & other military matters with which the gun's owner, Captain Hersey was involved. Metal sideplate is stamped with "Harpers Ferry 1820" and an image of an eagle with "US" underneath. The numeral "7" is stamped throughout the weapon. Its accompanying eleven handwritten military letters dating from 1820-22 originate in Boston, Roxbury, Canton & Hingham and contain the signatures of several military officers. Rifle is in Excellent condition.