Original Item: One of a Kind. Included in a large purchase of over 200 guns that had been in storage for over 100 years we found this gem. It is a regular French Model 1763 Line Flintlock Musket 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, and there were a multitude of versions over the years. However, Charleville was only one of the manufacturing Arsenals, the predominant one being Saint-Étienne.

According to the Book AMERICAN MILITARY SHOULDER ARMS by George D. MOLLOR, on page 135 he states that several thousand of these muskets arrived at the port of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, direct from France in 1777. These were all destined for the new Federal Government. Apparently the State of New Hampshire was permitted to retain a small portion of this delivery for its own defense. He goes on to say that it was not until 1780/1781 that the Federal Government offered the remaining French Flintlock musket for sale to other States.

Our example is 100% correct and complete. It is marked on the lock plate with Mre de / Maubeuge, indicating manufacture at the French Arsenal in Maubeuge. The barrel tang is additionally marked M.1763, indicating it is the 1763 version of the French "Charleville" musket. The locks from this arsenal have a characteristic very angular design to the frizzen and pan. There is a marking "I E" or something similar scratched into the right butt stock, but it does not have any significance that we can decipher.

The most exciting thing however is the rear of the barrel, which is marked on the left hand side with the Regimental marking of :-

The "N" and the "H" for New Hampshire so the vertical post of the "N" acts as the left vertical post of the "H" right vertical post. A similar marking is illustrated in the above mentioned book also Page 135 which displays the same regiment as "NH 3 BN° 668". Similarly I am told that a third such Musket was sold this year by a national Auction House but displaying the the 1st or 2nd Battalion in exactly the same way. We are told that musket made absolute telephone numbers. We were not present, but but clearly two collectors really wanted it, as it sold apparently for in excess of $ 30K.

So back to reality, clearly a very rare Revolutionary War Musket that we purchased in a lot and have only cleaned up before selling. Ready to display!

Year of Manufacture: circa 1777
Caliber: .75"
Cartridge Type: Ball and Powder
Barrel Length: 45 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, 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.