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Message:: [QUOTE="BRandM, post: 2024295, member: 22729"][ATTACH=full]367140[/ATTACH] [ATTACH=full]367139[/ATTACH] The two counterstamps on this coin are what's known as arsenal marks or arsenal stamps. These and a variety of others were applied to firearms manufactured at U.S. Federal arsenals. The date 1842 indicates a model year, in this case, a .69 cal. smoothbore percussion musket made at both the Springfield, MA and Harper's Ferry, VA facilities. Production started on the Model 1842 in 1843 at Harper's Ferry, but a majority of the 275,000 produced were done at Springfield. About 100,000 at Harper's Ferry and the other 175,000 in Mass. Production ended in 1855. The "US" stamp indicates government manufacture. Other marks might include an eagle, gunsmith's name or initials, the facility that produced the weapon, or other relevant information. In the early years an entire firearm was crafted by the same gunsmith but in later years each part of the firearm was manufactured separately and assembled  later. Another interesting thing about these counterstamps is the coin that they're struck on. Although no details of the coin are visible, it can be identified by size and existing edge-lettering. The information tells us that it's a 1793-1795 type Large Cent. Overall, not a bad deal for $20. Bruce[/QUOTE]