Original Item: Only One Available- as used in the American Revolution and Napoleonic war. Once as numerous as Brown Bess Muskets the French equivalent was referred to as the CHARLEVILLE Musket. However, Charleville was only one of the manufacturing Arsenals, the predominant one being St. Étienne. The design was first introduced in 1717, and went through numerous versions over the years such as the 1763 and 1766 variants, which were supplied in some quantities to the American Colonies during the Revolutionary War.

The Modèle 1777 is very similar to the earlier Charleville muskets, however the design of the stock was modified, with a cheek rest cut into the inboard side of the butt. It also features a slanted brass priming pan and bridle, and a modified trigger guard with two rear finger ridges. After the French Revolutionary Wars, first consul Napoleon Bonaparte commissioned a rework; some minor modifications on the lock, bayonet and stock resulted in the Modèle 1777 corrigé en l'an IX (Model 1777 corrected in the year IX, or 1800 in the French Revolutionary Calendar). This was the primary weapon produced and used during the Napoleonic wars, and would go on to be one of the most widespread weapons in the European Continent.

This example has all steel mounts, as brass mounts were generally only used for Naval issue. The lock is marked with just a CROWN / P / 30, with the markings around the barrel nocks form having been mostly removed, leaving only traces. We assume that this musket was captured during the Napoleonic wars, and like many was scrubbed of the French markings and put into service domestically. Differing from the Brown Bess not only using all steel mounts the barrel is secured by three-barrel bands and not pins. Very good used overall condition this musket comes with a later model all steel button front ramrod. Stocks are in very good condition, with no major damage or repairs. We checked the lock action, and it is fully functional, holding at half-cock and releasing at full.

In 1815 the final defeat of Napoleon Bonaparte at the Battle of Waterloo closed the doors on the Emperor's ambitions and French Military dominance in Europe. This is a very good example of what the typical soldier was armed with, later captured and scrubbed of its French markings. Ready to research and display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: circa 1810
Caliber: .69"
Cartridge Type: Ball and Powder
Barrel Length: 42 3/4 Inches
Overall Length: 58 Inches
Action type: Side Action Lock
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.

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.