This is a U.S. Harpers Ferry Model 1816 Musket dated 1828 with wonderful Northern Plains Crow Indian brass tack and beadwork collected at Lodge Grass, Montana from the Crow in 1905 by Dr. Warren Thompson. Chambered in 72 caliber. This rifle is from the ex-Dean Taylor and Ted Levy collections and was once on display in Dean Taylor’s gallery. This is an antique U.S. Model 1816, previous 3-band, Musket made by Harpers Ferry circa 1928, then updated to percussion around the time of the American Civil War. The model 1816 was a production of United States flintlock muskets, with an impressive run from circa 1816-1840. Both national armories, Springfield and Harpers Ferry, were involved as were about 16 different contractors. Conflicts during this period included numerous encounters with Native Americans, the Mexican-American War and later when converted the American Civil War. The rifle is adorned with brass tack decoration on both sides of the stock and forestock. There is a small section of Crow beadwork affixed to the left stock. The rifles action appears to still function, and the ramrod is still attached. The piece has wonderful patina with expected wear. The receiver plate on the left side is correctly stamped, “HARPERS FERRY 1928” as well as the shielded eagle with “US”. The original brass tacks, in various sizes and metals show classic Crow patterns such as the cross and a triangle with circle design, commonly referred to as a keyhole design seen on 19th Century Crow moccasins. Provenance: Thompson was given the gun by a Crow Indian as payment for services rendered for the Indian’s sick wife circa 1905 at Lodge Grass, Montana. Collector Ted Levy acquired the gun from Thompson in the 1940’s and later sold it to collector and dealer Dean Taylor in the 1990’s. Taylor sold it to the current owner in 2007. The rifle measures 57 ½ inches in length.