Item Description
Original Item: One-of-a-kind. During the early years of the British Colonies in America, there was little manufacturing capability available domestically, so items such as firearms, swords, and so forth were imported. Much came from England, but other European countries were also happy to supply the new and expanding market. During the French and Indian War, and even in the later American Revolutionary War, many of weapons used were of European manufacture.
This excellent example is of the Dutch origin, with an early pattern "rounded" lock plate as produced circa 1710-1720, after which a flat lock plate with beveled sides was used. An example almost identical to this is described in the book Battle Weapons of the American Revolution by George C. Neumann on page 108, item 58.MM "DUTCH INFANTRY MUSKET". Such weapons were definitely in the inventory of American Colonists during the French and Indian war as well as the American Revolutionary War.
It has a 44 1/2" part octagon barrel with an approximately .70" bore, and measures 59 1/2 inches in overall length. The gun features the standard "banana" shaped lock plate with a "teat" on the end, and has a pan without a frizzen support bridle. The gun is all iron mounted, with a vase shaped trigger guard finial, and long curved tail side plate. The stock is also the correct style, with raised carving around the lock, side plate, and barrel tang.
The lock is completely unmarked, as is correct for the pattern. There is the designation D 116 marked on top of barrel, however we are not sure what this marking means. It also looks to be marked with 178 and 13 inside a circle. There are also some stamped and carved markings in the stock, which we are not able to identify.
The stock is fantastic, with "Tiger Flame" figuring for almost the entire length of the musket. We cannot make out any repairs or structural issues, and it has a lovely polished glow from centuries of careful cleaning. The metalwork is polished to a nice bright finish, making it very attractive. Overall it gives the feeling of really having been in service, though possibly not fired much. We checked the lock, and while functional with a strong mainspring, the tumbler is worn, so it will fire at both half and full cock
Very attractive and ready to display in any early American Collection!
Specifications:
Year of Manufacture: circa 1720
Caliber: about .70, muzzle flared to 1.00"
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 44 1/2 inches
Overall Length: 59 3/4 inches
Action: Flintlock
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded
NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.
- This product is available for international shipping.
IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.
These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.
Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.
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