Original Civil War Era Prussian Potsdam M1809 Percussion Converted Musket – Regiment Marked 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. 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 just over 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. It was cleaned several times, which has made the markings on it faint. 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 faintly marked Potsdam, for manufacture at the arsenal that gave this model its nickname.

The barrel nocks form shows some faced markings, but unfortunately none are legible. The butt plate is marked 33772 at the bottom, and also has some faded markings on the tang. The muzzle of the barrel has regimental marking 7C. 210., which may be partial. We unfortunately have not been able to identify the regiment.

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 19 stamped on them, which is quite worn in some areas.. 

Black walnut stock with its recessed cheek piece is handsome and strong. The wood color is a very nice honey color with a great patina, with the expected dents and other wear from long service. There are a few cracks, but no major repairs that we can see. A fine Prussian “Potsdam” Pattern 1809 smoothbore percussion converted musket, with a great look.

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: 1820s-1830s – Converted Later
Caliber: .75 inches
Ammunition Type:  Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 41 inches
Overall Length: 56 1/2 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.