March 1-2, 2018 Firearms, Militaria & Sporting
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/1/2018
This model was supplied to Navy fusilier units responsible for securing the port installations as well as ships and their crews while fulfilling the role of police on board the ships of the Marine Royale, according to "French Military Small Arms" by Didier Bianchi. The musket has nearly the same dimensions as Model 1777 Naval musket. For another example of this exact musket, see pages 71-73 of "French Military Small Arms" by Didier Bianchi. The round smoothbore steel barrel has a bayonet lug on the bottom, near muzzle and has been shortened about two inches during the period of use. Breech has partially visible "86" marking on left side. Flat lockplate with rounded tail section, brass pan, and rounded reinforced cock. Center of lockplate marked with Tulle markings in script. Standard brass Model 1779-1786 furniture with convex sideplate and many parts with inspector stamps. Center band, sling swivels, and rear tang of triggerguard are all iron, as is correct for this model. Complete with steel ramrod. Full-length walnut stock with oval carved cheekpiece on left side and right side of butt with French inspector stamp. Barrel retains a freckled brown patina with some scattered corrosion, especially at breech. Lock appears to be original flint and has been cleaned, now retaining a grey patina with some darker areas and light wear. Brass has also been cleaned and now retains a slightly rough surface and a mellowing patina. Stock has been refinished and shows some edge wear, scattered marks, and minor losses on forend along barrel and on comb. This is a very scarce and desirable French long arm, these are seldom encountered.
Caliber/Bore
.73 Smoothbore