December 10-13, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/10/2024
This is a superb example of the Prussian infantry musket introduced in 1740 and which was the principal arm carried by the Prussian Army during its campaigns in the Seven Years War and beyond. At a time when the British Army was still using wooden ramrods, light and susceptible to warpage and breakage, one innovation of the Prussians was the introduction of a heavy, cylindrical ramrod of iron—much thicker in diameter than those used in other European armies, which was standardized in 1773. Although it made the musket slightly heavier, the improved ramrod ensured that a cartridge round could be seated home quickly with a minimum of ramming, thereby allowing Prussian infantry to load and fire their muskets at a rate nearly double of their opponents. Prussian firepower was famous and did much to contribute to victories on the battlefield. The lockplate is marked POTZDAM MAGAZ. For the famous Prussian arms manufactory at Potzdam and the brass thumbpiece on the small of the stock bears the FR monogram of Frederick II (“Frederick the Great”), the Prussian ruler. The musket is in fine condition, less a small splinter of wood missing from the molding just above the rear top of the lock, the latter of which is in excellent working order. Overall length is 57 5/8 in. with 41 ¼ in. L barrel of 0.77 caliber. The musket still retains its original socket bayonet, 18 ¼ in. long with 13 ¾ in. L x 1 3/16 in. W blade.