{"product_id":"original-u-s-surcharged-revolutionary-war-prussian-model-1740-potsdam-flintlock-infantry-musket-with-potzdam-magaz-marked-lock-circa-1760","title":"Original U.S. Surcharged Revolutionary War Prussian Model 1740 “Potsdam” Flintlock Infantry Musket with POTZDAM MAGAZ Marked Lock, Circa 1760","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal 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 \u003cstrong\u003eUS surcharge \u003c\/strong\u003estamped 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 \u003cstrong\u003ePOTZDAM MAGAZ\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eUS surcharge\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe face of the lock is clearly marked:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePOTZDAM MAGAZ\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis marking refers to the Potsdam military magazine or arsenal system associated with Prussian arms production, inspection, storage, and distribution.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA more difficult to read marking along the lower edge of the lockplate appears to be:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eD S E\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts precise meaning has not been confirmed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e403\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCracking 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe present ramrod is a period correct  but modern made wooden replacement fitted with a brass end rather than the original regulation ramrod.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith 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. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYear of Manufacture: Circa 1760\u003cbr\u003eMaker: Potsdam Arsenal\u003cbr\u003eModel: 1740 Flintlock Musket\u003cbr\u003eCaliber: about .75 inches\u003cbr\u003eAmmunition Type: Lead Ball \u0026amp; Powder\u003cbr\u003eBarrel Length: 41 inches\u003cbr\u003eOverall Length: 57 inches\u003cbr\u003eAction: Side Action Flintlock\u003cbr\u003eFeed System: Muzzle-Loaded\u003cbr\u003eFederal Classification: Pre-1899 Antique\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNOTE: 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45501657972805,"sku":"ONAC23164","price":14995.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/1DD15207-3D62-4953-9164-A76D8C450FD4.jpg?v=1786137327","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-surcharged-revolutionary-war-prussian-model-1740-potsdam-flintlock-infantry-musket-with-potzdam-magaz-marked-lock-circa-1760","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}