May 17, 2022 Early Arms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/17/2022
This is a classic officer's fusil of exact dimensions, including an almost 37" barrel of .65 caliber. Other fusil characteristics include the gun being fitted with a bayonet lug and iron sling swivels. These fusils were purchased and used by military officers from both sides during the Revolutionary War. Officer's were not issued arms and therefore had to purchase their own privately. This example turned up in the estate of a Revolutionary War officer's family in Winchester, Virginia. The two-stage iron barrel features a bayonet lug mounted on the bottom towards the muzzle and a silver front sight. Marked with two Birmingham proofs on the left side of the hooked breech. Barrel is retained by three iron barrel keys. The period-replaced lock is in its original flintlock configuration and has a flat unmarked plate with a molding at the tail. The brass furniture includes a trigger guard with relief chased military motifs, including a cannon, helmet, and sword. The large wrist escutcheon features a chased helmet, cannon, and sword around a vacant inscription panel. The five-stage buttplate tang is engraved with a panoply of arms and intricate borders. The sideplate is engraved with panoplies of arms with flags and a drum. Brass nose band and ramrod ferrules. Walnut stock in the classic English form with a relief clamshell carved around the barrel tang. There is an 8 - 1/2" period splinter repaired with iron pins on the left side of the forend. Complete with its original iron ramrod. CONDITION: Barrel retains a heavy brown patina, proofs excellent, some light corrosion at breech. Lock is in its original flintlock configuration and retains a patina matching that of the barrel. Brass retains a pleasing dark mustard patina, shows some minor high edge wear. Stock retains an original surface with scattered minor marks from use. Revolutionary War officers' fusils are extremely rare and this is a very nice example that almost certainly saw use here. DMG
Item Dimensions: L: 52 - 3/4"
Caliber/Bore
.65 Smoothbore