Original French Modèle 1822 “Charleville” Flintlock Musket by Charleville Arsenal – dated 1828 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. The “Charleville” line of flintlock muskets is the French equivalent of the venerable “Brown Bess” used by the British. First introduced in 1717, the design was updated numerous times until production finally ceased in the early 1840s, when it was superseded by the “back action” Modèle 1842 percussion musket. The M1763 and M1876 versions were supplied in some quantities to the American Colonies during the Revolutionary War.

However, the most well-known variants worldwide are probably the Modèle 1777 and later Modèle 1777 corrigé en l’an IX (Model 1777 corrected in the year IX, or 1800 in the French Revolutionary Calendar), which were the primary muskets of the line during the French Napoleonic Wars. Compared to the earlier Modèle 1763, these introduced a cheek rest on the left hand side of the butt stock, and also featured a slanted brass priming pan and bridle. The trigger guard was modified with two rear finger ridges, a design also seen in the later M1842 muskets.

Following the end of the Napoleonic Wars, the M1777 was further modified to the Modèle 1816, which changed the angled brass flash pan to a flat one with a rear “fence” to stop powder remnants and other debris from flying into the eyes of the solder. The shape of the flashhole was changed to be conical as well. Six years later, the Modèle 1822 was introduced, which mainly involved changes to the lock, with many more components being made from steel instead of iron, to increase longevity. All told, 7 million of all variants of the M1777 were made, making it the largest produced firearm until World War I came around.

This is a great example of the last variant produced, the Modèle 1822, which is dated 1828 above the flash pan on the barrel. It features all steel mounts, as brass mounts were generally only used for Naval issue. The lock is marked faintly with M’re R’le / de Charleville, indicating production at the famed ARSENAL at CHARLEVILLE. This Arms Manufacturing installation was located in Charleville-Mézières, Ardennes, France, to the far north east of Paris, and was responsible for developing the famous “Charleville” muskets of the line and many other firearms. It was later closed, as it was realized that having an arsenal that close to the eastern border of France was not strategically viable. Differing from the Brown Bess not only using all steel mounts the barrel is secured by three-barrel bands, and not pins.

Condition is very good, with the original bright steel finish of the metalwork still retained very well. It has been polished and cleaned over the years, which is why the markings on the lock plate are so faint. There are also some faint arsenal markings on the breech end of the barrel, which we are not able to identify. The lock is still fully functional, holding at half cock and firing at full. The cock is in great shape, fully adjustable, and has been fitted with a flint and lead pad to complete the look. Both sling swivels are present, as is the original ramrod under the barrel.

The stock is in great shape, with only light wear and no major damage. There are a few isolated woodworm holes on the forestock area, but they do not appear to have caused any structural damage. The cheek rest on the left side of the butt stock is well carved and still in great shape. The stock does look to have been arsenal reconditioned at some point, which has made the markings on the butt stock faint. Someone familiar with French proof marks in the early 19th Century may be able to identify them.

This is a nice example of the final version of the venerable “Charleville” line of muskets, ready to research and display!

Year of Manufacture: 1828
Caliber: .71″
Cartridge Type: Ball and Powder
Barrel Length: 40 1/2 Inches
Overall Length: 56 Inches
Action type: Side Action Flintlock
Feed System: Muzzle Loaded

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