Original Item: Only One Available. This is an exceptionally interesting Revolutionary War era military musket, combining the distinctive design of an original Prussian Model 1740 “Potsdam” flintlock with an important US surcharge stamped into the brass sideplate. This American ownership marking elevates the musket well beyond a standard surviving Prussian arm, indicating that it entered United States stores and was issued to or used by American forces during the Revolutionary War era. Dating to approximately 1760, it retains its clearly marked POTZDAM MAGAZ lock, full length 41" barrel, angular brass furniture, early flintlock features, and an untouched attic patina developed over more than two centuries. Aside from a light wipedown, the musket has intentionally been left alone to preserve its remarkable aged appearance.

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 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 musket measures approximately 57" overall and has a 41" smoothbore barrel of approximately .75 caliber. Its elongated banana shaped lockplate, unbridled frizzen, faceted flash pan, pinned barrel, and sharply angular brass furniture are characteristic of Prussian military arms from the middle decades of the 18th century.

The Prussian Model 1740 family was developed during the reign of Frederick II, better known as Frederick the Great. His military reforms and battlefield successes established Prussia as a major European power and began the long political and military rise that eventually culminated in the creation of the German Empire in 1871. Muskets of this pattern armed the disciplined infantry formations that became central to Prussia’s military reputation.

The US surcharge is the most historically significant marking on this example. It is stamped into the serpentine brass sideplate and indicates American government ownership. Foreign manufactured muskets played an essential role in arming American forces during the Revolutionary War, when domestic production was insufficient to equip the rapidly expanding Continental Army and state troops. European arms entered American service through importation, purchase, capture, and redistribution from government stores.

A Prussian military musket bearing a U.S. ownership surcharge is therefore of particular interest to advanced Revolutionary War collectors. Rather than being simply a European arm of the correct period, this example carries a physical marking connecting it to early American military use. No individual issue record accompanies the musket, so it cannot be attributed to a particular soldier, unit, campaign, or engagement.

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, inspection, storage, and distribution.

A more difficult to read marking along the lower edge of the lockplate appears to be:

D S E

Its precise meaning has not been confirmed.

The lock has the distinctive elongated, banana shaped profile associated with early Prussian military arms. It has sharply beveled angular edges and a projecting teat at the rear. The original early style unbridled frizzen and faceted flash pan remain present.

The flintlock action is stiff but presently functional. It holds correctly at half cock and releases mechanically from full cock when the trigger is pulled. These observations describe only its current mechanical state and do not establish that the musket is safe to load or fire.

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

403

The exterior iron surfaces retain a deep, lightly disturbed oxidized patina with scattered areas of older oxidation. No major deep exterior pitting was observed, although the bore is heavily oxidized and fouled.

The stock retains the substantial proportions expected of a mid-18th century military musket. It has a deeply aged dark surface, with the old finish worn away in numerous areas and the wood showing extensive evidence of long service, storage, and handling.

Cracking is present around the rear of the lockplate. Another crack extends from the lower lock screw toward the breech, a commonly stressed location on military muskets of this age. Cracking also extends through significant portions of the wood along both sides of the barrel channel, with evidence of old repairs and several localized areas of missing wood.

An angled cut passes through the stock between the lower and middle ramrod pipes and has not been repaired. Its original purpose is unknown. It could represent an old transport or “duffle cut,” although there is no evidence confirming that interpretation. It is also possible that the fore stock was damaged, separated, replaced, or altered at some point, potentially explaining the missing forward furniture. This remains speculative.

The musket currently retains three brass ramrod pipes. This pattern would normally be expected to have four pipes together with a brass nose cap. One ramrod pipe and the nose cap are therefore absent.

The surviving brass furniture displays the bold, angular styling associated with the pattern. It has developed a very attractive dark aged surface with localized light verdigris. The brass has not been aggressively polished, allowing the important U.S. surcharge and the surrounding patina to remain undisturbed.

The present ramrod is a period correct  but modern made wooden replacement fitted with a brass end rather than the original regulation ramrod.

No sling swivels are currently installed. The original swivel opening beneath the rear of the trigger guard has been plugged, and another hole was later drilled through the forward portion of the trigger guard. Both alterations appear old rather than recent.

The American Revolution required enormous quantities of arms that the rebelling colonies could not manufacture for themselves. French muskets were the most important foreign weapons supplied to the American cause, but British, Dutch, German, and other European arms also entered Continental and state inventories. Captured weapons and older military muskets were inspected, repaired, marked, and returned to service whenever possible.

At the same time, muskets of Prussian and other German patterns were carried in North America by German auxiliary troops serving with the British. Without documentary provenance, it is not possible to determine how this particular musket entered American possession. The U.S. surcharge nevertheless records its acceptance into American government ownership and distinguishes it from an ordinary unmarked Potsdam musket.

With its U.S. surcharged sideplate, clearly marked POTZDAM MAGAZ lock, circa 1760 production date, early Prussian military design, full length pinned barrel, angular brass furniture, and remarkable "attic" patina, this is a fascinating Revolutionary War era arm. 

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 Flintlock
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.