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COMMONWEALTH of PENNSYLVANIA Militia Flint Musket
Guns International #: 101227801 Seller's Inventory #: 8427
Category: Antique Rifles - Flintlock - Military Rifles - Antique
Seller's Information
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Seller: AncestryGunsLLC
Company: Ancestry Guns LLC
Member Since: 11/3/16
State: Missouri
Zip: 65203
Country: United States
Phone: (314) 707-7373
International Phone: 314-707-7373
Platinum Seller
Number of Active Listings: 1443
Total Number of Listings: 29883
Seller: FFL Dealer
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
Payment Types Accepted: Credit Card, Certified Check, Money Order
Description:
COMMONWEALTH of PENNSYLVANIA Militia Flint Musket
RARE Melchior Baker Contract of 1797 Charleville!
Here we present an antique Charleville Pattern Flintlock Militia Musket by Melchior Baker, made circa 1798 for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to be issued to their Militia. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Arms Procurement Act of 1797 authorized the procurement of 20,000 muskets, of which 19,900 were contracted to fifteen gunmakers, all in Pennsylvania. An order for 10,000 muskets was initially awarded to Ketland, but the British government correctly predicted that no good could come from that and squashed the deal. Of the fifteen contracts issued, one peculiarity arose with one of the contractors. Albert Gallatin was the only non-gunmaker to earn an arms contract. Also, Gallatin’s guns were made in Fayette County, south of Pittsburg in a fairly remote wilderness area. This was the only site listed lying west of the Alleghenies, with all of the other contractors located in the traditional gun making region of southeast Pennsylvania. Since Gallatin was not a gun maker, he subcontracted to Melchior Baker, a gunmaker in his district. Albert Gallatin (1761-1849) is perhaps one of the lesser known of our founding fathers, but he served an eclectic career in both public and private service. A short list of his accomplishments includes: U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania (1793-94); U.S. House of Representatives from Pennsylvania’s 12th District (1795-1801); Secretary of Treasury (1801- 1814) under Jefferson and Madison, becoming the longest serving Secretary of the Treasury in our nation’s history; Ambassador to both France (1816-1823) and Great Britain (1826-27); co-founder of New York University, along with being the president of the National Bank in New York City.
Melchor Baker produced at least 1200 guns for the Gallatin contract. An educated estimate among CP musket collectors is there are perhaps ten of the Baker muskets in existence. This musket is one of those 1200. This musket bears strong resemblance to the Charleville pattern as it was essentially a copy. There were no standardized weapons during the Revolutionary War, and no national armories to produce weapons. When the French began sending the Revolutionaries weapons, it was the Charleville musket. This, in turn, shaped American military firearms manufacture for decades to come as many of the models that would be adopted would be some variant of the Charleville. The barrel bears a proof mark of a Liberty Cap over a ‘P’ indicates it was an early CP. Later manufacturers of CP’s would follow Springfield’s lead in changing to an eagle head proof mark. The inside of the lock bears the maker’s mark “MB” for Melchior Baker. This is a true rarity and an important part of firearms history!
The overall condition is very good. The iron parts have a dark patina. The markings are clear. The stock is in good condition and has been professionally repaired around the lock. The bore is smooth and in great shape. The action is excellent. This is a fantastic example of a militia musket from the young United States and State of Pennsylvania!
Own the original! This is a legitimate antique and not a reproduction.
Barrel is 43 inches.
Caliber: .69 Percussion
Overall condition as seen in photos.
Very Fast. Very Safe. FREE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE. Delivered directly to your door by express mail!
Guaranteed AUTHENTIC & Includes CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY.
ancestryguns
$5200
#8427
SOLD
Antique: Yes