Original Item: Only One Available. This is an attractive and nicely patinated example of a French Modèle 1766 type "Charleville" flintlock musket incorporating the later band spring modifications commonly referred to by collectors as the 1766/68 configuration. These French military muskets are among the most important arms associated with the American Revolutionary War, with large numbers of Modèle 1763 and Modèle 1766 muskets supplied by France to the American cause. This example retains the features expected of the type and is for the most part complete, with its original style iron furniture, both sling swivels, and ramrod still present. Its deeply aged metal and stock surfaces give it exactly the sort of untouched 18th century appearance that makes surviving Revolutionary War era military arms so compelling.

This is an antique black powder firearm manufactured before 1899. Under federal law, it may generally be owned within the United States without a special license or permit and does not require transfer through a Federal Firearms Licensee. However, state and local laws may vary. This firearm is sold solely as a historical collector’s item and has not been test fired or inspected for firing safety by a professional gunsmith. Any mechanical or bore observations provided below describe only its present condition and should not be interpreted as confirmation that the firearm is safe to load or fire. The purchaser is solely responsible for complying with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

The French infantry musket design commonly known today as the "Charleville" traces its development back to the standardized French military arms introduced in the early 18th century. "Charleville" eventually became a convenient collector term for the broader family of French regulation muskets, although Charleville was only one of several state arsenals involved in their manufacture. Important production also took place at Saint-Étienne and Maubeuge, among other French facilities. The design evolved through numerous patterns and modifications, with incremental changes intended to reduce weight, improve handling, and simplify military service.

The lighter Modèle 1766 followed the heavier Modèle 1763 and became one of the principal French muskets associated with American service during the Revolutionary War. French military arms were shipped to the American colonies in substantial quantities beginning during the war, providing badly needed standardized muskets to Continental forces. The influence of these arms lasted well beyond the Revolution, and the later U.S. Model 1795 musket drew heavily from the French pattern.

Collectors commonly use the designation 1766/68 for Modèle 1766 type muskets incorporating later improvements associated with modifications begun around 1768. One important change involved the use of barrel band retaining springs rather than relying entirely on friction or pinned retention. These transitional French muskets can show variations resulting from arsenal manufacture and subsequent military modifications, making individual surviving examples especially interesting to study.

This example is fitted with band springs behind the barrel bands on the right side, engaging corresponding openings in the solid iron bands. It also retains a bayonet lug on the top of the barrel near the muzzle. Together, these features are consistent with a Modèle 1766 type musket that received period modifications during the continuing development of the French military musket system.

The top of the lock bears the proof or inspection marking, which indicates that the musket received the 1768 type updates while in service:

STAR / D

The breech area of the barrel would typically have carried additional inspection or arsenal markings, but substantial powder residue oxidation in this area has obscured or removed any markings that may once have been present. We do not see any other legible markings remaining on the barrel.

The lock plate itself has developed a lovely, deeply aged patina and is marked beneath the angular flash pan:

Charleville

This marking indicates production at the French state arms manufactory at Charleville in the Ardennes region of northeastern France. Charleville became so closely associated with French military muskets that its name eventually became the general American collector term for the entire family of French infantry arms, regardless of the particular French arsenal that manufactured them.

Additional markings remain on several components. The side plate is marked:

LO

Several individual letter stamps are also visible on the stock. The right side of the butt stock bears the marking:

TxBM

These carved initials are in a style associated with Continental ownership. Similar markings have been found on U.S. surcharged muskets and may indicate ownership and use by an American colonial soldier. However, without further provenance, we can only speculate as to their meaning and origin.

The lock was checked and remains mechanically functional in its present condition. It holds correctly at half cock and releases from full cock. These observations relate only to the current operation of the antique mechanism and should not be interpreted as an indication that the musket is safe to fire.

The smoothbore now measures approximately 0.73" at the muzzle. This is larger than the bore diameter generally associated with these French military muskets when originally manufactured and appears consistent with considerable historical use, cleaning, and wear over the musket's long service life.

Condition overall is very attractive for an 18th century military arm, with extensive honest wear and age throughout. The iron metalwork displays a mature dark patina, with no major active oxidation or significant rust blooms observed. The surfaces have the naturally aged appearance expected from a musket that has survived for more than two centuries rather than the look of a heavily cleaned or refinished example.

The stock has developed a lovely aged color and shows moderate wear from long service and handling. No major structural cracks or other major damage were observed. There is some minor cracking around the lock and barrel tang areas, both common stress locations on heavily used military muskets due to repeated recoil and the stresses placed on the stock during service.

Both sling swivels remain present, an appealing feature on a musket of this age. The ramrod is also retained and still has threading at its inner end, although it was modified during its working life into a clearing worm. This type of practical field alteration adds another visible layer to the musket's long service history.

With its clearly marked Charleville lock, Modèle 1766 type configuration, later band spring modifications, top mounted bayonet lug, surviving inspection and stock markings, both sling swivels, field modified ramrod, functional lock, and exceptionally appealing untouched patina, this is a very evocative example of the French military musket family so closely associated with the American Revolution. It would be particularly well suited to an advanced Revolutionary War arms collection, a French military firearms collection, or a display illustrating the Continental Army's dependence on French military aid and the development of the early American martial musket.

Specifications:-
Year of Manufacture: circa 1776
Maker: Charleville Arsenal
Bore Diameter: .73"
Cartridge Type: Ball and Powder
Barrel Length: 44 1/2 Inches
Overall Length: 59 1/4 Inches
Action type: Side Action Lock
Feed System: Muzzle Loaded
Federal Classification: Pre-1899 Antique

The "Charleville" line of flintlock muskets is the French equivalent of the venerable "Brown Bess" used by the British. First introduced in 1717, the design was updated numerous times until production finally ceased in the early 1840s, when it was superseded by the "back action" Modèle 1842 percussion musket. The M1763 and M1876 versions were supplied in some quantities to the American Colonies during the Revolutionary War.

However, the most well-known variants worldwide are probably the Modèle 1777 and later Modèle 1777 corrigé en l'an IX (Model 1777 corrected in the year IX / 1800), which were the primary muskets of the line during the French Napoleonic Wars. Compared to the earlier Modèle 1763, these introduced a cheek rest on the left hand side of the butt stock, and also featured a slanted brass priming pan and bridle. The trigger guard was modified with two rear finger ridges, a design also seen in the later M1842 muskets.

Following the end of the Napoleonic Wars, the M1777 was further modified to the Modèle 1816, which changed the angled brass flash pan to a flat one with a rear "fence" to stop powder remnants and other debris from flying into the eyes of the solder. The shape of the flashhole was changed to be conical as well. Six years later, the Modèle 1822 was introduced, which mainly involved changes to the lock, with many more components being made from steel instead of iron, to increase longevity. All told, 7 million of all variants of the M1777 were made, making it the largest produced firearm until World War I came around.

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.