Original Item. Only One Available. Norway and Denmark were united as the Kingdom of Denmark-Norway from 1536 to 1814, with Copenhagen as the capital of the united both country. During this time they shared a military, and utilized identical firearms throughout the 17th and 18th centuries. Denmark-Norway however made the unfortunate choice of siding with Revolutionary France in the 1790s and in 1801 they suffered terribly at the hands of Admiral Horatio Nelson's fleet at the Battle of Copenhagen. After being on the losing side at the end of the Napoleonic Wars, Denmark was forced to Cede Norway to Sweden, which ended the Danish-Norwegian firearms connection.

This is a very nice example of the Model 1774 Smoothbore Flintlock Infantry Musket in 18.3mm Caliber, as used by Denmark and Norway. After the end of the Napoleonic wars, almost all of these early flintlock muskets were later updated at least once, first to percussion, and then often to pillar-breech rifles, however this example is still in the original configuration! Some parts may be missing, but we see no evidence that it was altered from the original configuration, and it has a lovely patina of age that is simply impossible to duplicate. These old long Scandinavian muskets make great display pieces, and it would look great on any wall!

We have seen this model referred to alternately as M1774 Infanterimuskett or the Glat musket for infanteri model 1774 (Smooth Musket for Infantry M1774). Interestingly, we consulted Gamle Danske Militær-Våben (Old Danish Military Weapons) by Th. Møller, and it does not appear. The very similar M1769 converted from Jaeger Musket does appear, but not the 1774, however it is definitely a known type, and this matches the type perfectly.

It has the correct 41 inch long smoothbore barrel with a caliber of 18.3mm, and measures 56 inches in overall length. The barrel is held in place by steel pins, not the wedges in escutcheons as seen on the later model 1794. The lock plate has the correct "banana" shape with a teat on the tail, showing a rounded profile with a bevel towards the front. The pan also has a guard as a rear, and the cock is the correct "swan-neck" type. The tang of the brass butt plate has the characteristic design, and the two giant flathead screws on the rear of the butt plate are a hallmark of this era of Danish-Norwegian firearms.

As most we see, there are very few markings on the musket, with a few small proof marks on the lock plate, which are worn. The left side of the barrel looks to have a regimental marking, which looks to read B. R. 18 N. 84., which we unfortunately have not been able to identify. There is also something scrawled on the left side of the butt stock, but we cannot make out what it says. Overall condition is very good, with a lovely peppered patina on the lock and barrel, showing some past oxidation and subsequent cleaning. The brass hardware has a lovely mellow patina, as does the large brass foresight, with no major wear. We checked the lock action, and it is functional, however it does not hold correctly at half cock due to wear.

The stock is probably made from beech wood, and is lovely and in very good condition. It has the usual dents and dings from service, and there is a chunk missing on the right side of the barrel tang. There is also some missing wood around the lock plate, and a crack on the back of the wrist, but it does not have any movement. It still retains the rear sling swivel, while the front is missing. It has a brass fit wooden ramrod, which we have been told is a later type, probably installed in the 19th century.

A very nice example of an 18th Century Danish - Norwegian Flintlock musket, one that escaped being altered multiple times during the 19th century. Ready to research and display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: circa 1780
Caliber: 18.3mm / 0.72" smoothbore
Cartridge Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 41 Inches
Overall Length: 56 Inches
Action type: Side action Lock with Dog Safety
Feed System: Muzzle Loading

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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.

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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.