May 17, 2022 Early Arms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/17/2022
This fine example of a French Model 1763 "Fusil" or musket in its original configuration is extremely rare, without even taking into account its important, wartime American markings. It was originally part of a clandestine shipment from France aboard the Mercure, which arrived at Portsmouth, New Hampshire on March 17, 1777. 2,016 of these muskets were released to New Hampshire for its three Continental battalions the following month and shipped to John Ward Gilman, an Exeter silversmith, to have state ownership markings applied. This musket bears Gilman’s stamps applied on the left side near the breech: "NH 3B No. 611", one of 672 muskets engraved and intended for the 3rd New Hampshire Battalion, all numbered in sequence from No. 1 to No. 672, the paired bayonets engraved with the number only; the two other battalions had their respective 672 stands of arms similarly marked, but distinguished by “1B” or “2B” battalion stamps on the musket barrels. By June 1777, most of the NH-marked arms had arrived at Fort Ticonderoga and were issued out to the three battalions, who first carried them into action at Hubbardton and subsequently, Saratoga. By late fall, the New Hampshire Line, including the 3rd Battalion or Regiment, had joined the Main Army and wintered with it at Valley Forge, before fighting at Monmouth on June 28, 1778. The musket has a tapered round smoothbore barrel with bayonet lug mounted on the bottom near muzzle. The flat lockplate has beveled edges and is stamped in the center with Maubeuge markings, designating the royal manufactory where it was produced. Opposite it, the iron sideplate is stamped "LD". The musket features the early Model 1763 mounts, including a trumpeted band at the muzzle and stepped middle band (both spring-fastened) and a pressure-mounted rear band (later spring-fastened from 1766 onwards). The musket has an associated iron ramrod that is too short. The full-length walnut stock is deeply carved with the initials "BK". In addition, a brass wrist escutcheon was added during the period of use and is inscribed "BB / 1775 / NH" and was probably added by the individual who took the musket home after the war. CONDITION: All iron components retain a mottled grey patina with some scattered light pitting and good markings; the lock in original flintlock configuration and good working order; cock is a period replacement. The stock shows scattered marks from use and minor chips. It would be difficult to find a Revolutionary War musket of comparable importance in the desirable state of this identified and marked example. PROVENANCE: Tom Grinslade Collection, purchased from Jim Dresslar in 1986. DMG
Caliber/Bore
.69 smoothbore