Original Item: Only One Available. This is an original German Model 1740 Prussian “Potsdam” flintlock infantry musket dating to approximately 1760, with a POTZDAM MAGAZ marked lock and the classic construction associated with mid-18th century Prussian military arms. The musket remains in essentially untouched, attic fresh condition with a deep aged patina throughout. Aside from a light wipedown, it has intentionally been left alone to preserve the appearance developed over more than two centuries. It measures approximately 57" overall with a 41" barrel and retains its characteristic banana shaped lockplate, unbridled frizzen, faceted flash pan, angular brass furniture, and period wooden replacement ramrod.

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 Prussian Model 1740 family of muskets was developed during the reign of Frederick II, better known as Frederick the Great. He was the first "King of Prussia", as opposed to "King of Prussia". He set into the motion ascent of Prussia into the pre-dominant German state, culminating in the formation of the German Empire in 1871. The musket represents the type of substantial German military smoothbore arm associated with the middle decades of the 18th century. Muskets of this general Prussian pattern are also of interest to Revolutionary War collectors because large numbers of German auxiliary troops served with the British during the American Revolution. Without specific provenance, however, no claim can be made that this particular musket was carried in North America.

The lock has the distinctive elongated, banana shaped profile associated with early Prussian military arms, with sharply beveled angular edges and a projecting teat at the rear. It retains the correct early style unbridled frizzen and faceted flash pan. The face of the lock is clearly marked:

POTZDAM MAGAZ

This marking refers to the Potsdam military magazine or arsenal system associated with Prussian arms production and storage. A more difficult to read marking that appears to be:

D S E

is present along the lower edge of the lockplate.

The 41" barrel is secured to the stock by transverse pins rather than bands. Near the left side of the breech is the stamped number:

403

The serpentine brass sideplate also bears what appears to be a small:

US

stamp. This marking does not appear convincing as an original period U.S. ownership mark and is considered almost certainly spurious. It should therefore not be interpreted as evidence that this musket was issued to or used by American forces during the Revolutionary War.

The regulation brass furniture has the angular styling typical of the pattern and has developed a very attractive dark aged surface with localized light verdigris. The present configuration has three ramrod pipes. This pattern would normally be expected to have four pipes together with a brass nose cap, so one pipe and the nose cap are presently absent.

The iron surfaces retain an appealing oxidized attic patina with scattered areas of older oxidation. The exterior of the barrel does not show major deep pitting, although the bore is heavily oxidized and fouled. The lock action is stiff but presently functions, holding correctly at half cock and mechanically releasing from full cock. These observations describe only its present state and do not establish that the musket is safe to fire.

The stock is deeply aged with an old dark finish that has worn away in numerous areas. There is cracking around the rear of the lockplate and another crack extending from the lower lock screw toward the breech, a commonly stressed area on long military stocks of this period. Along the barrel channel, cracking extends through significant portions of the woodline on both sides, with evidence of old repairs and several localized pieces of missing wood.

An angled cut passes through the stock between the lower and middle ramrod pipes and has not been repaired. Its purpose is unknown. It could conceivably represent an old transport or “duffle cut,” but there is no evidence establishing that interpretation. Another possibility is that the forward section of the stock was damaged or separated and subsequently replaced or altered, which could potentially relate to the missing fourth ramrod pipe and nose cap. This remains speculative and is noted only as a possible explanation for the present configuration.

The ramrod beneath the barrel is a period wooden replacement fitted with a brass end rather than the original regulation ramrod. No sling swivels are presently installed. The original swivel hole beneath the tail of the trigger guard has been plugged, and a separate hole was subsequently drilled through the forward portion of the trigger guard. Both alterations appear old rather than recent.

With its POTZDAM MAGAZ marked lock, early Prussian military architecture, 41" pinned barrel, angular brass furniture, untouched attic patina, and substantial surviving original structure, this is an evocative mid-18th century German military flintlock. The questionable US sideplate stamp, missing fourth ramrod pipe and nose cap, oxidized and fouled bore, extensive stock cracking, old repairs and wood losses, unexplained stock cut, replacement wooden ramrod, absent sling swivels, and altered swivel mounting points are all fully disclosed. It would display especially well in a Prussian military arms, Frederick the Great era, Revolutionary War era German arms, 18th century flintlock, or advanced early military firearms collection.

Specifications:-

Year of Manufacture: Circa 1760
Maker: Potsdam Arsenal
Model: 1740 Flintlock Musket
Caliber: about .75 inches
Ammunition Type:  Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 41 inches
Overall Length: 57 inches
Action: Side Action Percussion Lock
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded
Federal Classification: Pre-1899 Antique

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.