Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. This is an original German .72 caliber, Potsdam Model 1809/31 smoothbore, single-shot muzzleloader in very good condition. Musket measures a total length of almost 57" with a 41¼" long barrel and is still in the original flintlock configuration. Large numbers of these were later converted to percussion, but this one somehow escaped. There are signs of light powder burn at the breach. In very presentable condition, with a great patina of age that has been cleaned and polished a bit, to make this an excellent display piece. Like many of these we have seen, the original sling swivels have been removed, used for more modern guns.
The lockplate surface has a nice patina as well, and exhibits a slightly peppery look from scattered fine rust pitting. Lockplate is 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 and feature a partial Prussian crown over FW, for Frederick William III of Prussia. This marking is also seen on the right butt stock. The lock plate is also marked Saarn, for the arsenal found in the Rhineland which had at one time been a Monastery.
The barrel knoxform also bears the FW monogram, as well as an 1829 date, which is also on the brass butt plate. There are numerous other markings on the gun, particularly on the butt plate. The long time collector from whom this musket originated had done extensive study and enclosed is a Write Up done by him describing the history in great detail, along with explanations of the markings.
Mechanics are strong and crisp, holding correctly at half cock.. Barrel is secured to the stock via three brass bands retained by springs. Upper brass band is double-strapped, and has the front sight on the rear strap. All brass wears a mellow bronze patina. Finials of the trigger guard and the toe of the butt plate terminate in distinct three-pointed ends.
Black walnut stock with its recessed cheek piece is quite handsome, with a great color. It has the expected chips, dents, and small cracks that are seen on a musket that saw long service. The musket did at some point sustain a wrist crack, which has been arsenal repaired.
A fine Prussian "Potsdam" Pattern 1809 smoothbore flintlock musket, ready to display!
Many of these were imported from Germany just prior to the U.S. Civil War and issued mostly to the Confederacy. However, this example was most likely brought back after WWI or WWII, as only percussion conversions were exported.
Specifications:
Year of Manufacture: 1829
Caliber: .72 inches
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 41 1/4 inches
Overall Length: 57 inches
Action: Flintlock
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.
- This product is available for international shipping.
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. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers". 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.
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