Original Item: Only One Available. This is an original Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Model 1797 .69 caliber flintlock contract musket dating to approximately 1800, produced as part of Pennsylvania’s effort to arm its state militia at the end of the 18th century. Although the original maker and barrel proof markings are no longer legible, the tail of the lock plate retains a strong CP marking for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the musket conforms closely to the early Charleville influenced American military pattern.

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.

In 1797, Pennsylvania authorized the procurement of 20,000 muskets for the Commonwealth militia under the Legislative Act of March 28, 1797. The program issued contracts for 10,000 that could be imported and another 10,000 to be produced in the U.S.. Later, as tensions continued to rise, the British government voided contracts with the Ketland Company for the 10,000 imported muskets, which meant that no muskets were ever imported under the act. Pennsylvania issued a second round of contracts to make up for the shortfall.

These arms would all be based on the French Charleville pattern in approximately .69 caliber, reflecting the strong influence of the Model 1763/66 French muskets that had been supplied to American forces during the Revolutionary War. The Pennsylvania Model 1797 belongs to the same general generation of early American martial arms as the U.S. Model 1795 Springfield.

The lock plate retains the prominent marking:

CP

on its tail, identifying Commonwealth of Pennsylvania ownership. Any maker or additional proof markings that may originally have been present on the lock and barrel are no longer visible due to age, oxidation, and past cleaning.

The iron furniture and barrel have developed a dark, mature oxidized patina with scattered evidence of old peppering and cleaned corrosion. There is more pronounced powder residue erosion around the touch hole and adjacent lock and barrel surfaces, indicating substantial period use.

The lock presently functions, but it does not hold safely at half cock and will release from both half and full cock. This is an important mechanical defect and should be regarded accordingly. These observations describe only the musket’s present mechanical condition and should not be interpreted as confirmation that it is safe to load or fire.

The bore measures approximately .73" at the muzzle in its present condition. The interior is heavily oxidized and shows pitting, so the current measurement should not be taken as an exact indication of the original bore diameter.

The walnut stock is in attractive condition overall and has clearly been cleaned and waxed during its long life. It retains the distinctive bannister rail butt profile associated with early Charleville influenced American military muskets and shows especially attractive flame figure on both sides of the buttstock. There is cracking around the lock inlet, a common stress area on early martial muskets, but the stock otherwise presents with a strong aged appearance.

The musket retains both barrel bands as well as the long forward nose cap. A brass front sight is mounted on the rear barrel band. The rear two band springs remain intact, while the spring at the nose cap is broken away.

A ramrod remains beneath the barrel, though it appears to be a later replacement. Both sling swivels are present and move freely.

With its strong CP Commonwealth of Pennsylvania lock marking, circa 1800 date, Charleville influenced architecture, bannister rail stock, flame figured walnut, complete barrel bands, sling swivels, and untouched service worn appearance, this is a compelling early American state contract musket from the generation immediately preceding the War of 1812. The missing maker and proof markings, unsafe half cock condition, heavy bore oxidation, lock area stock cracking, broken nose cap spring, and probable replacement ramrod are all fully disclosed. It would fit especially well in a Pennsylvania militia, early U.S. martial arms, War of 1812 era, flintlock musket, or advanced American military firearms collection.

Specifications:-
Year of Manufacture: circa 1800
Model: 1797 Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Contract Musket
Caliber: .73"
Cartridge Type: Ball and Powder
Barrel Length: 44 3/4 Inches
Overall Length: 59 1/2 Inches
Action type: Side Action Flintlock
Feed System: Muzzle Loading
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.