November 15 & 16, 2022 Extraordinary Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/15/2022
After a 1793 congressional "Report of Arsenals and Armories", it became clear the fledgling Republic needed to procure more domestically produced arms, resulting in the funding for 7,000 additional muskets in 1794. These muskets were constructed by numerous contractors with both surplus and newly made components. While unmarked this example has been attributed to Mattias Schroyer of Taneytown, Maryland who was later contracted to produce 1798 contract muskets. It was found in Taneytown with an included 1798 document signed by John Ross Key, father of the famed Francis Scott Key, endorsing Schroyer as a capable gun maker for Federal contracts. The musket itself is fit with a 44 - 1/2" .69 caliber barrel proofed at the breech with an intaglio eagle head over "P" within a sunken oval. The tang, in addition to the lock, bears "US" surcharges. The lock itself has a flat plate with beveled edges, a sharply pointed tail, a Charleville-styled cock, and a faceted iron flash pan. The musket is stocked in walnut with the initials "TA" carved behind the lock bolt plate. Mounts are iron and of Charleville styling, including 3 spring retained barrel bands, long trigger guard, and butt plate. CONDITION: Fine showing some honest period use. Iron components have developed a silvery bronze patina. Stock has an age darkened appearance with some impressions. A period repair with an iron bolt is present, securing a section of wood behind the breech opposite of the lock in place. Lock remains in its original flint configuration with fine mechanics. The included endorsement of Schroyer remains in very good condition with some light creasing and a few minor spots of discoloration. Text remains legible, with a few added light pencil notes near the bottom. PROVENANCE: This musket and document were acquired from Al Carr in the 1960s, and were purchased by Hartzler from James Knowles. BAS