December 10-13, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/10/2024
One of the many foreign arms pressed into service during the Revolution, the French Model 1766 musket saw heavy service. This example is in standard 0.69 caliber model with a tapering, round, 44 3/4 in. barrel with bayonet lug mounted on the underside and a stamped "V" that is possibly part of a worn "M", denoting Maryland ownership, at the breech. Lock has a flat plate with beveled edges and is marked in the center in script "Maubeuge / Manuf. Rle." with an additional crown over "B" stamp. Full length hardwood stock bears an "SMP" brand for State of Maryland Property behind the sideplate, in addition to several "G.A.D." inspector(?) stamps throughout. Standard iron mounts include 3 spring-retained barrel bands, triggerguard, buttplate and original ramrod. The name "DAVID MANTZ" is neatly carved into the right side of the butt, almost certainly during the War of 1812, when Captain Henry Steiner's Frederick Artillery, a uniformed company of foot artillery, drew complete stands of arms and accoutrements out of the state arsenal at the "Old Hessian Barracks" in Frederick, prior to marching to the defense of Baltimore in 1813. David Mantz was listed as a corporal in that company during its Federal service on the lower Potomac River in 1813. He was promoted to sergeant in 1814, just prior to the company being called up again and marching in August to man the earthworks surrounding Baltimore harbor, being discharged on 27 September 1814. CONDITION: Iron components exhibit an attractive, even dark brown patina. Lock is in its original flintlock configuration. Touch hole was rebutted in the period. The stock shows a pleasing surface with handling wear and scattered marks from use, some chips in from of lockplate. Pin on end of middle barrel band spring is broken off, so band now slides. Bayonet shows pitting overall and opening to socket slightly bent and ring at opening is missing at slot. A very nice Maryland marked musket with identification that saw service in two conflicts.