AlexanderA
Member
I don't understand these Italian gunmakers.
The Euroarms Model 1803 Harpers Ferry rifle is marked on the lockplate with the year "1803." Yet Harpers Ferry Armory didn't start producing these until 1804, and there are no known originals with the date "1803." What's worse, the Euroarms reproduction represents the Type II of this model (because it has a 36" barrel rather than the 33" of the Type I), and the Type II wasn't made until the period 1814-19.
My Pedersoli Model 1816 musket is marked "Harper's Ferry" and has the date "1816" on the lockplate and the barrel. Harpers Ferry Armory didn't start making this model until 1819.
Are the Italian gunmakers really that sloppy, or are they doing this knowingly in an effort to prevent faking? It's really frustrating to those of us to whom authenticity is important.
The Euroarms Model 1803 Harpers Ferry rifle is marked on the lockplate with the year "1803." Yet Harpers Ferry Armory didn't start producing these until 1804, and there are no known originals with the date "1803." What's worse, the Euroarms reproduction represents the Type II of this model (because it has a 36" barrel rather than the 33" of the Type I), and the Type II wasn't made until the period 1814-19.
My Pedersoli Model 1816 musket is marked "Harper's Ferry" and has the date "1816" on the lockplate and the barrel. Harpers Ferry Armory didn't start making this model until 1819.
Are the Italian gunmakers really that sloppy, or are they doing this knowingly in an effort to prevent faking? It's really frustrating to those of us to whom authenticity is important.