Original French M-1766 Type Charleville Flintlock Sergeant’s or Artillery Fusil circa 1780 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.

This is a somewhat shorter and smaller version of the Charleville, a Sergeant or Artillery fusil. It also has a smaller bore, and was intended to fire the same ammunition used by pistols. This example has all steel mounts, as brass mounts were generally only used for Naval issue. The lock and barrel are both unmarked, worn down by years of service and age. Differing from the Brown Bess not only using all steel mounts the barrel is secured by three-barrel bands and not pins. Very good used overall condition this musket comes with an early model all steel ramrod.

Stocks are in good condition, several arsenal repaired cracks running through the forestock. There is also a repaired chunk above the lock. Lock is fully functional but definitely sticks a bit. Unfortunately both sling swivels have been lost to the ages.

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. A very hard to find Fusil, fresh to the market and ready to display!

Year of Manufacture: circa 1780
Caliber: .70″
Cartridge Type: Ball and Powder
Barrel Length: 34 1/2 Inches
Overall Length: 58 Inches
Action type: Side Action Lock
Feed System: Muzzle Loaded

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