April 24-25, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting, & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/24/2019
American marked muskets are very scarce. This musket is marked "UNITED: STATES" on both the buttplate tang and the top of the barrel, near the breech. According to "Muskets of the Revolution" by Bill Ahearn, this is one of the earlier styles of marking Continental property. An identical marking can be seen on page 145. The musket itself features a round tapered barrel with traces of English proofs on the top and the center and a bayonet lug mounted on top, near the muzzle. The massive lock has a flat face with beveled edges and is marked in the center "J. VALET / A LIEGE". The brass trigger guard is in the style of a second model Brown Bess Short Land Pattern musket. The brass butt plate is also English Brown Bess style, with an 5 - 1/2" three-step tang, stamped on top with United States markings. The side plate is iron and in the shape of an "S". The three ramrod ferrules also appear to be from a British Brown Bess. The light colored stock is of English form, but clearly American, and probably of maple. The musket is complete with a period iron ramrod. CONDITION: Barrel retains a heavy brown patina, with some corrosion, especially near breech. Lock is in its original flintlock configuration and retains a heavy brown patina commensurate with the barrel. The frizzen has been sleeved. Brass furniture was polished at one time and now retains a spotted yellow patina. United States marking on buttplate tang is excellent. Side plate has been cleaned and retains a spotted grey patina and one lock screw has been replaced. The stock shows heavy use with a loss in front of the lock, a crack behind the sideplate, and some minor losses along barrel on left side. The musket was possibly shortened during its period of use. Otherwise, there are few scattered cracks and marks. This is a very scarce and desirable American Revolutionary War musket.
Caliber/Bore
.78 Smoothbore