Original Item: One of a Kind. This is a very interesting Prussian / German .75 caliber, "Potsdam" Model 1809 smoothbore, single-shot musket, which looks to have led a VERY interesting life. The only markings on the musket are a faded British CROWN / GR and TOWER on the lock plate, but it definitely is not of British manufacture. The style of lock plate and fittings are undeniably from a Potsdam musket, down to the facets that appear near the breech end. The finials of the trigger guard and the toe of the butt plate terminate in distinct three-pointed ends, correct for this model. The stock is mostly correct, however it only has one barrel band held in place by a screw, not the usual band spring, and there is also only one of them. However the stock definitely looks to be European manufacture, with the correct color and style of manufacture. The barrel measures 40 inches in length, which is a bit short, with an overall length of 57 inches.

The musket overall has a lovely patina of age, and whatever modifications were made to it definitely happened quite some time ago. We believe that this was one of many cast off obsolete weapons from Europe which ended up in colonial service, in this case sent to Africa, where it was given British markings, though we do not know if these were from actual British issue, or whether they were just added to increase the value of the musket. As it stands it definitely looks the business, with a lovely aged patina overall, and the lock fully functional, holding at half cock and firing at full.

A very interesting "Potsdam" Musket, ready for further research and restoration!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1820 - modified later
Caliber: .75"
Ammunition Type:  Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 40 inches
Overall Length: 57 inches
Action: Side Action Percussion 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.