Original Item: One-of-a-Kind. This is a fascinating and extensively modified Prussian Model 1809 “Potsdam” smoothbore flintlock musket displaying British-style CROWN / GR and TOWER markings on the lock. Although its later history remains uncertain, the musket retains unmistakable Model 1809 features and has developed a wonderful untouched patina from generations of use, alteration, and storage.

The lock remains in functional flintlock configuration, holding correctly at half-cock and releasing from full-cock. The musket is represented as an antique firearm and should not be fired before a thorough inspection by a qualified gunsmith familiar with early muzzle-loading arms. IMA has not test-fired it and makes no guarantee regarding its safety or suitability for firing.

The Prussian Model 1809 was officially known as the Neupreußisches Infanteriegewehr, or New Prussian Infantry Musket. Adopted in May 1809, it was influenced by the French Model 1777 and featured a large smoothbore caliber intended to accept the range of musket ammunition then used across Europe. Standard examples had approximately 41 1/3-inch barrels, an overall length of roughly 56 1/3 inches, and three brass barrel bands retained by springs.

This example retains several characteristic Model 1809 features. The rounded lock form, furniture style, and faceted treatment near the breech are consistent with the Prussian pattern. The trigger guard finial and toe of the buttplate terminate in distinctive three-pointed forms, details strongly associated with this model.

The lock plate is faintly marked:

CROWN / GR

TOWER

These markings imitate or follow the traditional British military lock markings used during the reigns of Kings George III and George IV. On genuine British government arms, CROWN / GR and TOWER markings were normally accompanied by additional government ownership, inspection, and proof marks on the lock, barrel, and stock. No such supporting British markings are described on this musket, and it is clearly not of standard British manufacture. The lock markings may have been added during later commercial or colonial use, possibly to make the musket appear British, but their exact date and purpose cannot presently be confirmed.

The stock appears to be of European manufacture and has the general color, form, and construction expected on an early 19th century military musket. However, it has been substantially modified. Only one barrel band is now present, and it is secured by a screw rather than the normal spring-retained system. Standard Model 1809 muskets were originally fitted with three barrel bands retained by spring clips.

The barrel measures approximately 40 inches, slightly shorter than the standard Model 1809 length of about 41 1/3 inches. The overall length is approximately 57 inches, which remains close to the original regulation dimensions. This suggests that the barrel and stock may have been shortened, repaired, restocked, or otherwise altered during the musket’s long working life.

The musket has an attractive dark patina throughout, with oxidation, finish loss, handling wear, dents, scratches, and age-related deterioration to the wood and metal. The modifications are themselves old and have aged consistently with the rest of the arm.

Obsolete European military muskets were widely sold, exported, converted, and reused throughout the 19th century. Large numbers of Model 1809 muskets were also converted from flintlock to percussion and sold abroad once they became obsolete in Prussian service. The Smithsonian and other museum collections document later percussion conversions of this basic pattern.

It is possible that this musket entered colonial or African commercial use, where old European firearms were frequently repaired and altered over long periods. However, no African tribal markings, documented collection history, export stamps, or other firm evidence of African use are described. Its precise travels and the reason for the British-style lock markings remain open questions.

This is an exceptionally interesting example of a Prussian Model 1809 musket that clearly continued working long after leaving its original military configuration. The combination of recognizable Potsdam features, functioning flintlock, unusual British-style markings, altered stock, and deeply aged appearance gives it tremendous character and excellent research potential.

Specifications:
Country of Manufacture: Prussia
Model: Model 1809 “Potsdam” Infantry Musket
Approximate Date of Manufacture: Circa 1820
Caliber: Approximately .75"
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball and Black Powder
Barrel: Smoothbore
Barrel Length: Approximately 40"
Overall Length: Approximately 57"
Action: Side-Action Flintlock
Feed System: Single-Shot 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.