Original Civil War Era Prussian Potsdam M1809 Percussion Converted Musket by Saarn with Bayonet – dated 1824 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is an original German .75 caliber, “Potsdam” Model 1809 smoothbore, single-shot muzzleloader in very good condition. It comes complete with a very nice original socket bayonet, and has some great markings. These were designed at the large Prussian Arsenal in Potsdam outside of Berlin, though they were also manufactured elsewhere. Musket measures a total length of almost 56″ with a 41″ long barrel, and has been converted to percussion configuration. There are signs of powder burn around the breech area, so this is a gun that saw significant use after conversion to percussion, most likely in the U.S. Civil War. 

The lockplate surface has a nice patina as well, and exhibits a slightly peppery look from scattered fine rust pitting. Lockplate is a curved tail that terminates into a small teat that differentiates it from the later 1839 model. Markings are standard with none found behind the hammer. Forward of the hammer, the markings are mostly clear and feature a partial Prussian Crown over FW monogram, for Prussian King Frederick William III, who reigned 1797 – 1840. The lock plate is also marked Saarn, and with a CROWN / S, for the arsenal found in the Rhineland which had at one time been a Monastery.

The barrel nocks form also has a faded FW monogram, as well as a date of 1824. The steel butt plate also has the remains of regimental markings, which look to read 126. above the screw, and 4. I. R. / 10. C. underneath. This was probably for the 4th Prussian Infantry Regiment, but Pre-German empire regiments can be hard to identify, so we are not sure which exact regiment this pertains to.

The robust lock still functions correctly, holding at half cock and firing at full. All the brass fittings wear a mellow bronze patina, while the steel butt plate does haver some rust issues. Finials of the trigger guard and the toe of the butt plate terminate in distinct three-pointed ends, correct for this model. The trigger guard and all three barrel bands have matching number 18 stamped on them. The original bayonet has a lovely worn patina, and matches the musket perfectly, locking into place by rotation.

Black walnut stock with its recessed cheek piece is handsome and strong. The wood color is very nice with a great patina, with the expected dents and other wear from long service. It is however made of TWO pieces of wood, something we have not seen before. There is a 5 inch long wood joint going back from the lowest barrel band, a replacement fore stock was grafted in. The joint is very old, and we believe it is from the time of original manufacture, or possibly from when it was converted to percussion. There is also a grafted in repair behind the hammer to replace powder burned wood. A fine Prussian “Potsdam” Pattern 1809 smoothbore percussion converted musket, complete with bayonet.

Many of these were imported from Germany just prior to the U.S. Civil War and issued mostly to the Confederacy.

Ready to display!

Specifications: 

Year of Manufacture: 1824 – Converted Later
Caliber: .75 inches
Ammunition Type:  Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 41 inches
Overall Length: 56 inches
Action: Side Action Percussion 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. International customers should always consult their country’s antique gun laws prior to ordering.