November 15 & 16, 2022 Extraordinary Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/15/2022
This musket began its life as a French Model 1771 musket. At some time, probably during the Revolutionary War, the musket went to the Philadelphia Arsenal for repairs, where it was inspected and marked by Head Armorer Joseph Perkin. It was also branded "NI" at the same time. The lock has been replaced with the current earlier and period-modified lock. The modified lock is from a 1763 or 1766 St. Etienne musket and is surcharged with a large "US" dating from early in the Revolutionary War. The barrel is surcharged with a different large and early "US" at the breech and has been shortened by about 1 - 3/4". The breech also is stamped on the left side with what appears to be the date "71" and a crown over "C*H". Standard French Model 1771/74 iron furniture. The original walnut stock is marked on the left side with stamped crown, fleur-de-lis, "S E / R E(?)". There is a period repair above the back tang of the lock using 2-iron nails. Branded "IP" and "IN" on right side of butt and on right side of forend with large "MARYLAND" brand. Complete with associated period iron ramrod and associated modified French bayonet with "US" and "M" marked at top of triangular blade. CONDITION: Barrel retains a dark brown patina with scattered areas of pitting, very good US surcharge and partially worn French markings. Uneven ring around touchhole, indicating either a converted barrel or rebushed touchhole. Lock is in its original flintlock configuration and and markings are very good throughout. Post on cock is broken off, and top jaw and jaw screw are replacements, bottom portion of screw absent. Furniture retains a grey/brown patina. Stock shows scattered cracks, chips along forend, and chipping and period filling around lock. Crack from front lockplate tang through the Maryland brand. Bayonet shows scattered heavy pitting and severely deformed opening to socket. A profusely marked musket with a very interesting history. Complete with a Dan Hartzler file with Identification record on Hartzler's letterhead, complete with old black and white photographs, flint and leather and a copies of pages in "Arms of Makers of Maryland" where this musket is featured on pgs. 26 and 27. DMG.
Paperwork
Hartzler File on Letterhead