April 24-25, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting, & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/24/2019
Circa 1816. Even rarer than the standard Garde du Corps French muskets are those made for the Garde de Monsieur, the bother of the reigning monarch Louis XVIII. Lighter than the standard musket, the Garde du Corps appears to be a standard issue French flintlock musket with brass mounts. Lock of military pattern marked "MANUFACTUR de VERSAILLES". The walnut full stock with far finer grain than standard military, befits a royal gun. The lock with extended flashpan and unique brass turning cover, rendering the lock virtually waterproof even in a driving rain. The .69 caliber 40" barrel is struck with a gold lined poincon with a crown over "AB". Brass furniture with trigger guard of unique sculpted form. CONDITION: Barrel is bright polished in a French fashion. Brass furniture is good. Thumpiece with fleur-de-lis possibly a later addition. Stock is crisp with only minor marks. Lock is clean with excellent markings. Action is crisp as new. Excellent bore. Ramrod appears to be original. The first of these extremely rare royal guard muskets it has been our pleasure to offer.
Caliber/Bore
.69 Smoothbore