Original French M-1763 Charleville Flintlock Musket Rebuilt for U.S. Revolutionary War – circa 1770 Original Items

Original Item: One of a Kind. Once as numerous as Brown Bess Muskets, the French equivalent was referred to as the CHARLEVILLE Musket, and there were a multitude of versions over the years. However, Charleville was only one of the manufacturing Arsenals, the predominant one being Saint-Étienne.

This example is however marked on the lock plate with Charleville, for the arsenal in Charleville-Mézières, France, and it definitely looks to be correct for the revolutionary period. It looks to have been re-worked during the Revolutionary war period, fitted with a new stock. It is possible that the original stock was burned or broken, and then replaced by American Colonists for further service. It features a 43 inch long barrel, with an overall length of 60 inches.

The musket is full stocked with the butt plate, trigger guard and side plate all made of iron. Four brass ramrod pipes hold the wooden ramrod in place, which is most likely a working life replacement. It is also fitted with the correct M1763 style lock, with an iron flash pan, which was replaced by brass with the M-1777 musket. The lock is currently fully functional, holding at half cock and firing at full, though the hammer looks to be a domestically made period replacement. There is a proof mark on the lock just below the hammer, as well as a P on the breech end of the barrel.

Condition is very nice, with a lovely glow to the wood, and a great metal patina. The musket still has both of its original sling swivels, and is definitely in solid condition. There are some repairs to the stock around the barrel tang, which is relatively common due to the stress placed on this area during firing.

In really great shape for a musket almost 250 years old, a wonderful “over the fireplace” display item, totally genuine to the U.S. Revolutionary War.

Specifications-
Year of Manufacture: circa 1770
Caliber: .73″
Cartridge Type: Ball and Powder
Barrel Length: 43 1/2 Inches
Overall Length: 60 Inches
Action type: Side Action Lock
Feed System: Muzzle Loaded

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