Ultimate collectable
The 1819 Hall was the first breech-loading rifle to be nationally adopted by the United States, it was also rewarded as a war medal
couple of issues ago we looked at one of the real rarities of British military arms collecting: The Nock Volley Gun. This month I thought we could look at one of the most desirable U.S. antique military arms, the Model 1819 Hall flintlock breech-loader.
Seldom encountered today, the 1819 Hall holds a number of accolades in American gun history. To start with, it was the first breech-loading rifle to be nationally adopted by the United States (Britain, for example, would not catch up for nearly 50 years). It was also the first nationally issued weapon to have a full interchangeability of parts, pre-dating Mr Colt by nearly 30
Ayears. Finally, it was also awarded as a medal, but more of that later!
Ease of use
John H. Hall laid down his original patent for his forward-thinking rifle in 1817. Simple to operate, the breech-block is released by a “trigger” under the fore-end allowing the front of the block to lift upwards at the front, hinged at the rear. Powder and shot could literally be placed in the exposed chamber without having to resort to a ramrod (although one was supplied). The block would be returned back into battery, the pan primed in the conventional fashion, the hammer cocked and the rifle was ready to fire. Hall thoughtfully smooth-bored the last 1½in of the bore so if the breech happened to seize shut in the heat of battle, it would still be easy to muzzle-load with the free-bored muzzle acting as a convenient ball starter. The U.S. military loved its ease of use, and in 1819 awarded Hall a contract for 1,000 rifles.
Heavy workload
Unfortunately for Hall, it was a bit of a preemptive strike. His factory facilities were not up and running when the contract was awarded and by 1823 he had delivered a total of – 22, all made by hand by himself in his own small workshop! Despite this, the contract remained and Hall luckily managed to secure the services of the