Original Civil War Era French Modèle 1842 Percussion Rifled Musket by Saint-Étienne – dated 1842 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is exactly the type of “Rifled” Musket that the Confederacy imported from Western Europe before and during the Civil War. Here we have a French Model of 1842 Rifled Musket with a back action lock. These were usually produced as smoothbore long muskets, but the export trade required rifles, indicating this was possibly made for export to the U.S. Civil War Market. This example has a lovely “attic fresh” look to it, with dried grease and patination on the metalwork, and a lovely aged look to the wood. Aside from a cursory cleaning, we have left it as found to preserve the beautiful patina of age.

It is fully steel mounted and bears a clear maker marking on the lock plate: Mre R’le / de St. Étienne, indicating manufacture at the Royal French Arsenal located in Saint-Étienne. There is also an 1842 date by the cap bolster, and the other side of the nocks form is marked Cde 18 for an 18mm bore, which is approximately .70″. It also has a very curious marking on the top of the nocks form: TIR / LANDSCHAFT, which may be in German, and is not a marking that we recognize. It may refer to the ladder sight that has been installed on the rear of the barrel. Definitely a great research opportunity!

The barrel is 40 1/2″ in length and the rifled musket is 56″ overall. The musket has all iron mounts including nose cap also covered in patination, as is the trigger guard, barrel bands, and small side plate. The butt plated shows a bit more advanced rusting and pitting. The cap nipple is still intact, though we do not know if it is clear, and the lock is functional, but does not have a half cock position at present. We checked the bore, and rifling is still visible, but there is also a lot of dirt and powder fouling.

Needs a full restoration or could be displayed just as it is. A wonderful collector’s opportunity!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1842
Caliber: .70″
Cartridge Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 40 1/2 Inches
Overall Length: 56 Inches
Action type: Back Action Lock
Feed System: Muzzle Loaded

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these.