Antique Harpers Ferry Muzzle Loader questions/Advice Wanted

[fanocool]

I have inherited what appears to be a 150 year old Rifle. It is I would say in good overall condition. It measures 57" from end to end. The "nipple" side of the firing mechanism has stamped into it an eagle, U.S., Harpers Ferry and what I assume is the date 1859. The left side of the action has the letters US, below that are the letters AH and to the right of them are the letters MS. Below the letters AH is the letter P inside of a circle. It is missing it's ramrod and the front sling guide.
Does anyone here know of an expert/dealer of these local to Massachusetts that might be a buyer for this?

 

[Kaos116]

How about posting a few pictures?

 

[hunter46spring]

Peter Dowd of Village Gun in Northborough on Rt. 9 West does. He ios by appointment only now

 

[terraformer]

Post pictures here. There are more than a few folks here who may be interested.

 

[fanocool]

Any help/advice appreciated-pics added

Thanks for the photos Cobblepot.

 

[terraformer]

I would not call that good condition, although the wood is in good condition. The metal is fair and pitted, say ~50%. The fact that the wood is so nice it was either replaced (although probably not recently) or it was never used in war. It is either a M1841 MS and MS is a model type or it is a M1842 made in the very end of it's production life 1859 and MS is the state it was sent to. The wood becomes a factor here as I think 1841s had metal on the face of the stock. No metal, maybe new wood. Further inspection of marks on the wood would need to be done. No marks, likely replaced wood. Either way, nice find. A nice piece of history. I can't price it, or won't actually. If you get it appraised and want to sell it, PM me. I may be willing to purchase it if it appraises low like I think it will. I want a mantel piece for my house which was built in 1840.

 

[fanocool]

Thank you tf for your input! I appreciate it.......anyone else?

 

[terraformer]

Just so you have a decent idea of what you have and don't have on this.
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=140495171
And this one was in the hands of a known southern family.

Yours is not a Carolina so the high road post is not exactly what you have but you get a nice idea as to the price range and some history of southern built models.
http://www.thehighroad.org/archive/index.php/t-125676.html

Note this guy's hasn't sold and his is in better condition.
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=142166007