Original Item: One of a Kind. Here we have a very interesting weapon, a very nice early 19th Century U.S. "Militia Fusil" made circa 1810, with some very interesting features! Intended for use by Officer's and N.C.O.'s, fusils were scaled down versions of the muskets of the line, intended to use the same ammunition as the pistols they were armed with. They were usually required to purchase their own weapons, and having to carry only one size of bullet and patches was definitely advantageous.

This example has 39" long barrel with a relatively small .39" caliber bore, and is actually RIFLED, much like the Pennsylvania rifles being produced around the same time. With an overall length of 54 ¾", it is roughly the same length as a Model 1795 Musket, but definitely scaled down in construction, and has some more "high end" appointments. These included not just the rifled barrel, but also a silver escutcheon on the rear of the wrist with silver wire inlay surrounding it. There is also engraving on the all brass mountings, so there was definitely a good amount of work put into it.

As with many private purchase arms during the period, the fusil is equipped with a very nice "trade lock", marked DEWERSON / WARRANTED under the lock plate. This is a known maker of trade locks, though it is not clear if they were based in England or America. The design is typical of the turn of the 18th century, with some simple engraving, though it has some higher end features like the roller on the end of the frizzen spring. The lock is still functional, though it does not have any half cock position, and does not hold securely at full cock.

We checked the bore, and it is in very good condition. It actually looks like it may have been sleeved at some point, and originally was actually 0.56" with 7 groove rifling, but then had a sleeve inserted inside. Condition is lovely, showing some use and powder burn around the touch hole. The stock is lovely, showing wear commensurate with age, and some wood missing along the woodline on the left fore stock.

Constructed around 1810 with all brass mountings and still in lovely shape. Ready to research and display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1810
Caliber: .39" with 8 groove rifling
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 39 inches
Overall Length: 54 ¾ 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. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers". 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.