French Model 1763 Musket Converted to Percussion
Item #: AA3341
Click on an image to enlarge
This is a French Model 1763 .69 caliber smooth bore musket manufactured by the Charleville Armory in France. It has been converted from a flintlock to percussion ignition and shortened to musketoon length. Originally this Model 1763 measured 60" overall, with a 45" barrel. It now has an overall length of 48 1/2", with a barrel length of 33 3/4" The barrel on this smooth bore gages out at .72 caliber, apparently it did fire some shoots in anger! The bore is turning dark, and is lightly pitted along the entire surface with a couple spots of light rust. The exterior of the barrel is smooth and has a nice plum/brown patina. In addition to the tang screw, a brass tack has been added to secure the barrel at the tang. There is no bayonet lug on the barrel. There are no markings on the barrel exterior. The bottom of the barrel near the breech plug has three sets of stamps, French assembly marking I believe. There are also Roman numerals scratched into the bottom of the barrel, XXII. The two barrel bands have a patina similar to the barrel, with the top band being a double strap with brass blade front sight. The center band has been omitted when the stock was shortened. Both barrel band retaining springs are broken, the rear one only has a 1/2" section remaining. There are no sling swivels on the gun. The lock plate is marked Charleville forward of the hammer, with an inspector stamp of star of D above the Charleville stamp. Interestingly, the inspector stamp was struck upside down. The lock plate has a patina matching the barrel, the hammer is not as dark. It is a civilian type hammer that has been added when the drum style percussion conversion was made. The mechanics of the lock work fine, holding in half and full cock. The trigger guard and butt plate match the patina of the barrel, it's pretty obvious this old war horse has been together for ever. The finials on the trigger guard are tear drop in shape. An iron tack has been added to the front finial to help secure the trigger guard. The steel button head ramrod is correct for this gun, matches the patina of the rest of the gun, but is not threaded at the end. The walnut stock has one major issue. The forward section of the stock beginning 2" from the rear band has been spliced in. The wood matches, and the splice probably occurred when the stock was shortened. Two small iron pins were used to splice the two sections together. A small section of wood is missing from the bottom of the stock on the left side of the trigger guard, exposing the end of the ramrod. The normal bumps and dings are present from handling. Remarkably there are no stress cracks on the stock! The barrel channel is still very crisp behind the rear band, but has some wood loss where the stock has been spliced. There are no inspector cartouches on the stock flat opposite the lock. The initials PA have been carved into the left side of the stock by the butt plate. This smooth bore long gun could have seen service in the American Revolution and possibly the Civil War. It will make an interesting piece in your long arms collection!
Shipping Weight:
6 lbs
Item # AA3341
(Sold)
We are currently not accepting on-line orders. If you see something you would like give us a call.