May 12-14, 2026 Firearms & Militaria
Lot #2081:
(A) RARE FRENCH MODEL 1763/66 MARINE MUSKET.
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/13/2026
See page 114 of Don Troiani's "Soldiers of the American Revolution" for a painting of French Marine with musket and page 117 for photo and description of this model French Marine Musket. See "Military Collector and Historian Magazine, Fall 2005" for article by James L. Kochan titled ”The French Corps of Marine Infantry and Bombadiers in the American Revolutionary War 1778-1783: Diverse Notes and Artifacts.” The article has a good picture and description of the 1766 musket and history. It also emphasizes the scarcity of any related artifacts. The 1763/66 Marine Muskets are extremely rare with only about 5 known to exist, all in America. It is unknown how many were produced. The pattern was forgotten to history until recent research by a French military historian. The 1766 Marine Musket was replaced in 1777 by a new pattern. The 1766 is similar to the 1766 Infantry musket except it has brass furniture which is lighter than the iron furniture on the Infantry muskets and the stock is also more slender. A report from the French Division Brest reports the 1766 Muskets were unserviceable a year after issue. Whether they were in bad shape when issued is unknown but it is very likely that the lighter build was unsuitable for rugged sea service. All remaining Pattern 1766 muskets were gifted or sold to the American allies once the newer pattern was available. This explains why there are fewer surviving weapons and the fact they are all in America. It has an oil cut on bottom tail of lock, a sharpened rammer, and the swivels are remove, all of which are evidence of American use.
The round iron barrel has a bayonet stud on top towards muzzle. The 1766 lock has a flat plate, flat cock, and bridled pan and has no visible markings. The back of interior lockplate has “BG” proof mark. The butt plate, trigger guard, and side plate are brass. The sideplate appears to be an old replacement. The bow of trigger guard is stamper with a “V”. The top and bottom barrel bands are brass, and holed so they can be pinned to the stock. The center band is iron in order to hold a sling swivel and is also pinned. The walnut stock lighter in construction than a standard 1766 musket. Behind the sideplate the stock is marked with a small “X" over large" V” and the right of butt tock has an "IL" brand. The 1766 Marine Musket in plate 29 in Rex Kessler’s book "Continental Arsenal Marks and Stamps" has the exact same proof brand on the stock. Also see pages 110-133 for photos of 1766 French Marine Musket with US surcharges and same marks on the stock. CONDITION: All iron components have a dark heavy patina with scattered pitting throughout. Some screws replaced. Lock is in its original flintlock configuration, touchhole rebushed. Lock does not function. Brass retains a pleasing dark mustard patina. The wood is all present, has no splits, but expected handling marks and a small chip in front of lock. Possible original trumpeted ramrod, which is sharpened for possible use as a spit. A very rare American used Revolutionary War musket.
Caliber/Bore
.75 Smoothbore