May 17, 2022 Early Arms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/17/2022
Tapering, round barrel of 42" length and .71 bore, bearing a crudely-filed “X” on top of the barrel two inches before the tang and a “US” ownership immediately before the same, as well as the Federal proof mark of Eagle head over P within a small, oval cartouch to the left at breech. The flat lockplate with reinforced cock, 6 - 1/2" L x 1 - 1/4" W, has “UNITED / STATES” is one of the pattern known to have been imported into the United States and sold to the Federal government by the Ketland firm in 1797. The iron ramrod appears to be original. The mounts of the musket are of brass and include buttplate (bearing a small “3” stamped on the tang), sideplate, trigger guard and three, spring-fastened, barrel bands—the middle-band of which has a sling swivel lug cast integral (the rear lug behind of iron and set through the front finial before the trigger guard proper. The walnut stock has a “34” incised on the right cheek, probably an issue number. Finial of the trigger guard being of iron, into it all are of American-maker stamped in an inverted arc across the pointed tail. Although commonly referred to in the collector’s literature as “1797 contract ship muskets”, this arm should be more properly known as the Model 1797 US Musket for Marines, for all known documents relating to their manufacture and issue make it clear that these arms were intended for the Marine Corps detachments aboard the frigates and other vessels of the fledgling US Navy. This is one of two known examples that are currently known to survive from those ordered to be setup by Philadelphia area gunmakers and are American copies of the French Model 1766 Marine Musket, primarily differing in point of mounting by the middle-band, which was iron on the French models. All of the brass mounts of American manufacture, cruder and heavier than the comparative French components. CONDITION: Barrel has been partially cleaned long ago, now has a light grey surface with scattered dark spots. The "US" surcharge and eagle head over "P" are clearly visible. Lock is in its original flintlock configuration, does not hold in full-cock position. Lock has been cleaned, some light pitting and heavy dark pitting at tail, some wear to the word "STATES" at tail. Brass retains a pleasing mustard patina and shows some scattered denting and marks from use, hairline crack through rear tang screw of trigger guard. Stock shows edge wear and scattered bruises and marks from use. There are period repaired breaks in front of lock tang and between back lock tang and barrel tang. Upside down "V" carved on left side of butt. Some losses and chipping around barrel tang. Ramrod is slightly short. A very rare and important early American naval musket.
Caliber/Bore
.70 Smoothbore