Original French Napoleonic M-1777 “Charleville” Flintlock Musket by Maubeuge Arsenal c.1800 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available- as used in the American Revolution and Napoleonic war. Once as numerous as Brown Bess Muskets the French equivalent was referred to as the CHARLEVILLE Musket. However, Charleville was only one of the manufacturing Arsenals, the predominant one being St. Étienne. The design was first introduced in 1717, and went through numerous versions over the years such as the 1763 and 1766 variants, which were supplied in some quantities to the American Colonies during the Revolutionary War.

The model 1777 is very similar to the earlier Charleville muskets, however the design of the stock was modified, with a cheek rest cut into the inboard side of the butt. It also features a slanted brass priming pan and bridle, and a modified trigger guard with two rear finger ridges.

This example has all steel mounts, as brass mounts were generally only used for Naval issue. The lock is marked faintly with Maubeuge / Manuf. N., for manufacture at the government arsenal located in Maubeuge, France, today along the Northern border with Belgium. Differing from the Brown Bess not only using all steel mounts the barrel is secured by three-barrel bands and not pins.

Condition is good, though does show significant wear, and some parts look to have been replaced over the years, such as the rear sling swivel and the top jaw of the cock. The lock is still functional, holding at half cock and firing at full, though the bolt for the top jaw is missing half of the head. The ramrod is a later “button top” style. We would wager that this musket saw use after military service, possibly left on the battlefield and picked up. This has resulted in most of the markings having eroded away due to powder burn and oxidation. The stock shows some cracking, and also has had a brown paint finish applied at some point.

In 1815 the final defeat of Napoleon Bonaparte at the Battle of Waterloo closed the doors on the Emperor’s ambitions and French Military dominance in Europe.

This is a nice used example of the line musket of the day, ready to restore further or display as is!

Year of Manufacture: c.1800
Caliber: .75″
Cartridge Type: Ball and Powder
Barrel Length: 41 1/2 Inches
Overall Length: 56 1/2 Inches
Action type: Side Action Lock
Feed System: Muzzle Loaded

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