November 17, 2020 Early Arms & Militaria: Age of Exploration, Empire & Revolution
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/17/2020
According to page 109 of Vol I of "American Military Shoulder Arms" by George D. Moller, in reference to Connecticut procured muskets, an act of October 1776 stated that the muskets were to have a 44" to 46" barrel and a bridled lock. It was still to be marked with the maker's name or initials, and an addition was to be stamped "SC". In March 1776, the Committee of Safety purchased an unknown quantity of imported barrels and locks. According to page 159 of "Muskets of the Revolution" by Bill Ahearn, on April 26, 1775, the Connecticut Assembly authorized the Committee of Safety to contract for the purchase of 3,000 muskets to be made following the design used for British Long Land pattern muskets. They were to be brass mounted and the barrels marked with the letter "SC" in a conspicuous place. This example fits these specifications with its .75 caliber 44-7/16" round barrel, with faceted breech section. The barrel is clearly of French manufacture and features traces of engraving and markings on the top three flats at the breech. The left flat is deeply stamped "S*C", and there is a small bayonet lug mounted on top towards the muzzle. The French Pattern 1754 lock has a bridled pan, as the specifications require. The brass furniture is of American manufacture and features a Brown Bess style trigger guard, a Short Land Pattern sideplate, and a buttplate, with the tang resembling that found on some British arms. The ramrod ferrules are untrumpeted and have been cast. The musket has a heavy buttstock in the English style, and it is stocked in cherry. There are two incised lines carved along the barrel on both sides of the forend. Complete with a replaced iron ramrod. CONDITION: Barrel retains a dark brown patina, showing some wear at the breech. Lock is in its original flintlock configuration and functions well. Brass has been polished and shows some scattered marks from use. Stock has had the front 24" professionally restored. This is a very scarce, state marked, Revolutionary War, Committee of Safety long arm. DMG
Item Dimensions: 61"
Caliber/Bore
.75 Smoothbore
Model
Committee of Safety Musket