Original Item: One-of-a-kind. During the early years of the British Colonies in America, there was little manufacturing capability available domestically, so items such as firearms, swords, and so forth were imported. Much came from England, but other European countries were also happy to supply the new and expanding market. During the French and Indian War, and even in the later American Revolutionary War, many of weapons used were of European manufacture.

This musket looks to have been locally made in the American Colonies, most likely using an early style Dutch lock and Barrel. There are many known examples of Dutch made muskets as well as Dutch-made parts being used during the American Revolution, as detailed in the book Battle Weapons of the American Revolution by George C. Neumann, on paged 107-113. We were not however able to find an exact match in the book, and the barrel and lock also bear a resemblance to some of the Germanic designs seen.

The musket has a 42 3/4" barrel with an approximately .79" bore, and measures 58 ¾ inches in overall length. The barrel is also two stage, octagonal near the breech, changing to round about 1/4 of the way towards the muzzle. The gun features a Dutch-style rounded "banana" shaped lock plate, and has a faceted flash pan with a guard on the rear, but no frizzen support bridle. There is also a single screw behind the cock, indicating an early sear design. The lock is not marked, however there is a design stamped onto the top of the barrel, next to what looks like a regimental number: B:411. There is also a symbol on the left side of the stock by the lock screw, under which is a small F.F. WEBSTER stamped in an arc. Definitely some interesting research potential here.

The musket is all brass mounted, and the barrel is held in by pins, not barrel bands, as often seen during this era of American muskets. The lock is fully functional, holding at half cock and firing at full. The stock is lovely, though it unfortunately has suffered a good amount of damage and repairs during the 200+ years since it was actually in service. These can be seen on both side of the fore stock, and it even shows that it was cracked through completely around where the replacement wooden ramrod enters the stock.

Very attractive and would be welcome in any early American Collection! Ready research and display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1770 with earlier parts
Caliber: 0.79"
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 42 3/4 inches
Overall Length: 58 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. 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.