AMERICAN 18TH CENTURY MUSKET

American Flintlock Musket

Muskets made in the colonies often used parts from several sources in Europe.  English and French sources were common, but also Dutch, German or the Low Countries items showed up.  

This musket has several interesting components.   The lock has a Belgium, low Countries or even a German feel to it.  It has a iron pan without a bridle for the Frizzen screw.  This feature usually shows up mid 18th century.  The screw for the frizzen spring comes from inside the lock.  The barrel has a turned breech, of the British style, but it is somewhat cruder than a British product.  And there are no proof marks.   There are examples of Dutch muskets with a 39" barrel and a long front sight and under barrel bayonet lug. Refer page 112 of "Battle Weapons of the American Revolution" by George Neumann.  The Dutch barrel and lock were then used to make an American musket.   The stock is cherry, an American wood.  The ramrod thimbles are made from sheet brass.  European thimbles tended to be cast.  The brass buttplate is thin.  

The metal is a deep brown patina.  The barrel is 38 7/8" in length and about 77 caliber.  There is a front sight back from the muzzle, and a bayonet lug under the barrel.  The lock and barrel are unmarked.  The cherry stock is full length with a 9" section replaced on the right side running from the front to just above the middle ramrod pipe.  There is a joint running up the ramrod channel, so the left side of the stock is origional to the front.  There are some age cracks in the stock.