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.

This example is a "lightened" Modèle 1763, sometimes called the Modèle 1766, which did not feature the heavy ramrod cover of the standard M1763. This is the exact model supplied in large numbers to the United States during the Revolution. This is the musket that served as the basis for the Springfield Model 1795 and later American Flintlock muskets. The later model 1777 would feature a new "ribbed" trigger guard and cheek rest for an easier grip on the musket.

This example has all steel mounts, as brass mounts were generally only used for Naval issue. The lock is clearly marked with Charleville, indicating production at the famed IMPERIAL ARSENAL at CHARLEVILLE. This Arms Manufacturing installation was located in Charleville-Mézières, Ardennes, France, to the far north east of Paris, and was responsible for developing the famous "Charleville" muskets of the line. It was later closed, as it was realized that having an arsenal that close to the eastern border of France was not strategically viable.

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 "button top" style ramrod. The stock has very little in the way of damage or repairs, and has a lovely red brown color. The metalwork is still polished bright steel, as originally issued, though there is some staining and wear from years of cleaning. The lock is functional, but the tumbler is a bit worn, so a strong trigger pull can cause it to fire at half cock.

A really nice example of the French Musket that was used in some numbers by the Colonists. Ready to display!

Year of Manufacture: c.1770
Caliber: .75"
Cartridge Type: Ball and Powder
Barrel Length: 44 1/2 Inches
Overall Length: 60 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. 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.