May 18, 2021 Early Arms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/18/2021
For a reference in regards to state markings on American muskets, see the March 29, 2010 article in American Rifleman titled "American-Made Muskets in the Revolutionary War" by George Neumann. The article states that a number of the states did stamp their issued arms to indicate ownership, especially early in the war. It states that these include "SP" for "State Property" of New Jersey. Furthermore, according to "Continental Musket Parts Procurement" on page 141 of "American Military Shoulder Arms: Vol. I" by George D. Moller; American gun makers often used imported French parts when stocking Continental arms. Many inventories from France show purchased rampart musket barrels and locks as well as outdated early patterns. From these inventories, over 40,000 locks and a substantial number of barrels and furniture were imported between 1778 and 1781 alone. The parts on this example most likely arrived in one of these documented shipments. The thick-walled early barrel is round and tapered with iron sights mounted on the tapered top flat. The left side of the breech is stamped with a "DM" maker's cartouche. The large and early flat 7" lockplate has beveled edges and is also stamped with the same "DM" cartouche in a rectangle with a border. Lock and barrel are probably French. The iron trigger guard appears to be French and appears to be from a Model 1717 Rampart Musket, large in size and having no sling swivel stud. The iron buttplate appears to be of American manufacture and tang is stepped terminating in a ball finial. The stock is of plain walnut. Wooden ramrod is a modern replacement. CONDITION: Barrel retains a dark heavy patina and very good original markings. Barrel appears to have been extended by 48" which is evident by a ring inside the barrel. Lock is a good professional reconversion and is well-aged. Lock shows some pitting and retains a dark patina. Mounts retain a heavy brown patina. The foremost four ramrod ferules are replacements. About 55" of the stock has been professionally replaced and is hard to detect. Even with restoration, state marked Revolutionary War longarms are extremely scarce. DMG
Item Dimensions: L: 96".
Caliber/Bore
.80 Smoothbore