This interesting musket was probably assembled during the Revolutionary War. The overall length is approx. 59"". The 43"" round 74 caliber barrel has a good bore with light pitting. The barrel is smooth and bright with brown spotting and light roughness in the touchhole area. There are no proof or inspection marks on the barrel. It has a top mounted bayonet stud. The lock is slightly curved, has a large faceted iron pan, S shaped cock (with replaced cock screw), a large frizzen, and frizzen spring with a spear point. The lock is unmarked on the exterior. The interior has a rectangular EM touch mark and VI assembly number. It may be Dutch in origin. The barrel is fastened to the stock with bands, similar to the French Model 1763, but no band springs are present and the lower two bands appear to be blacksmith work or rework. The three bands have band spring holes. The bands are friction fit only. The iron side plate appears to be of French style. The brass trigger guard and early Brown Bess style butt plate (top screw has half the head broken off) are very good. The trigger guard ends in a rounded point about 1.75"" forward of the bow. The iron trigger plate, with two finger ridges, extends 5"" behind the rear bow. The walnut stock is very good with light usage wear for its age, a small chip to the rear of the barrel tang, and no other cracks or chips. It does not show any evidence that band springs were ever installed. There is one sling swivel forward of the trigger guard bow and a ramrod which may be a later replacement. The lock functions correctly. It is our opinion that this musket was assembled in America from available parts circa the Revolutionary War. It certainly merits further research.   

AUSTIN LOCATION