December 10-13, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/10/2024
French Model 1771 muskets, infinitely superior to the M1766 in terms of robustness and quality of manufacture, were among the most modern pattern arms released by the King of France for use by American patriots during the Revolutionary War. After the French Royal Army had been issued sufficient quantities of the new M1777 muskets, the first two shipments of M1770-M1774 muskets were sent in 1780 as cargo aboard John Paul Jones's "Alliance" and the French frigate "Hermione", which also carried the Marquis de Lafayette back to America. It is no coincidence that the first Continental troops to be armed with these muskets were Lafayette's Division of Continental Light Infantry--the parts from M1771 muskets have been found on archaeological sites associated with this command dating from 1780-1783; while more general distribution occurred among other units during late 1781-1783. This fine example of a M1771 is most notable for its impressive array of markings--tracing its history through manufacture, the Revolutionary War and postwar use. The 44 3/4 inch-long barrel of 0.70 bore has "M1771" engraved along the tang, with a large "US" stamped across the barrel at breech; near the breech on the left is stamped a mark that almost resembles a "71" (also found on the tang of the buttplate). The slightly convex lockplate has a large "US" stamped upside-down on the tail and before the reinforced cock it is engraved "B / Royale Manuf / de St. Etienne". The butt of the walnut stock bears the distinctive "IP" stamp of Joseph Perkin (Superintendent of the Continental Armory in Philadelphia), while the left side is stamped with the arms of the St. Etienne Manufactory (which I have only observed on one other musket over the years) and directly behind that, the "IN" brand of John Nicholson (who was employed by the War Department through the 1790s in inspecting and refurbishing military arms); a large "V" with crossed scepters or an X superimposed above it is also found behind the sideplate. CONDITION: very good overall, with a nice brownish-grey patina and "salt & pepper" surface to all of the iron parts; there is moderate pitting around the vent/breech area of the barrel, partly obscuring the "U" of the "US" stamp; the top jaw and its screw of the cock are replaced--probably during period; the stock has the expected light bruising, dings or scars associated with long usage, but sound and with nice wood tone. Produced in limited numbers, examples of the M1771 are scarce today and this one, with exceptional Continental Army and arsenal markings, is particularly desirable.