Original Item: Only One Available. This is an original German .72 caliber, "Potsdam" Model 1809 smoothbore, single-shot muzzleloader in very good condition. These were designed at the large Prussian Arsenal in Potsdam outside of Berlin, though they were also manufactured elsewhere. The musket measures a total length of 56 1/2" with a 41" long barrel, and has been converted to percussion configuration. At some point it also had the fore stock removed, with only the rear 27 1/2 inches of it remaining. We do not know if this musket was "Sporterized" after it was sold out of service, or whether this is a "Duffle Cut" from being a USGI bring back. If it was, the front half of the stock was apparently lost. Many of these were also sold the U.S. during the Civil War period, so it's possible it was imported then and later turned to a sporting piece.

However it ended up with the fore stock missing, what we do know is that now it has been fitted with a replacement, which was glued to the front of the remaining original stock. It was then fitted with a middle barrel band and nose cap, both cast brass replicas, and has a replica iron ramrod as well. It is now exactly as we acquired it, which looks to have almost been in "mid restoration", so the middle band was never fitted with a sling swivel, and the fore stock never quite matched to the color and texture of the rear stock. This would make it a fantastic chance to pick up a "project" gun that just needs some finishing up to get a great wall hanger.

The musket does show powder burn on and around the cap nipple cone bolster, so it definitely did see use after conversion. It is still in the original 0.72" caliber with a smoothbore barrel, which is stamped with 2071. on the top, probably the rack or serial number. The lockplate surface has a lovely lightly oxidized patina, and has a curved tail that terminates into a small teat that differentiates it from the later 1839 model. Markings are standard with none found behind the hammer. Forward of the hammer, the markings are mostly clear show a CROWN over Neisſe, a known marking on these muskets. It most likely indicates they were produced at an arsenal near the Neisse river, which today is the border between Southwest Poland and Germany, but at that point was part of one of the German states.

The barrel nocks form features a Prussian Crown over FW monogram, for Prussian King Frederick William III, who reigned 1797 - 1840, next to a date of 1821. The musket features an iron butt plate, which is marked 2071 to match the barrel. The robust lock still functions correctly, holding at half cock and firing at full. There are markings stamped into the right side and bottom of the butt stock, which we are unfortunately unable to read accurately due to wear to the wood. The finials of the trigger guard and the toe of the butt plate terminate in distinct three-pointed ends, correct for this model. Black walnut stock with its recessed cheek piece is quite handsome, with a great color.

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

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: 1821 - Converted Later
Caliber: .72"
Ammunition Type:  Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 41 inches
Overall Length: 56 1/2 inches
Action: Side Action Percussion Lock
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

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