CANTON, MASS N. FRENCH Antique NEW ENGLAND Style Flintlock MILITIA Musket MASSACHUSETTS STATE Militia Type Dated 1838

Description:
CANTON, MASS N. FRENCH Antique NEW ENGLAND Style Flintlock MILITIA Musket   

MASSACHUSETTS STATE Militia Type Dated 1838

Here we present an antique N. French New England Militia Musket dated 1838 and made in Canton, Massachusetts. This musket follows a pattern identified by Norm Flayderman as the “New England Flintlock Militia Musket”, of which “The majority were likely made for and issued in the State of Massachusetts and possibly even paid for by local towns or counties. They do conform to a general pattern and style as illustrated, although numerous variations are seen.” The pattern includes a band-less method of securing the barrel to the full length stock, much like the British Brown Bess, .69 caliber, brass fixtures, various sporting-type locks and common breech markings of “P”, “M” and a date, as has this example. “M” is likely the mark of U.S. military inspector Benjamin Moore, who also inspected North pistols around this time. The date is marked “1838”. The lock inscription reads “LANE & READ/BOSTON” with “CANTON/N.FRENCH” marked on the sideplate.

Thomas French made such muskets and pistols for the State of Massachusetts. As he passed away in 1819 it is possible that his son Nathaniel may have taken up the family business and continued to produce such weapons. A similar musket is pictured and discussed on page 226 of American Military Shoulder Arms, Vol. II by George Moller.

This period of United States history saw quite a small national standing army and hosts of statewide militias. These were meant for repelling foreign invasion, creating a barrier between states and the federal government, defending towns from attack and uprisings, especially against Native Americans and slaves, but also from bandits, along with other policing duties. Militias were sometimes longstanding, prestigious and influential organizations. At other times they were ad hoc and reactive to the given circumstances. There was a great distrust of a federally controlled militia system or a large standing army in the early days of the Republic.

Overall condition is good. Original patina. The action is strong and crisp. The bore is smooth and patinated. The stock shows use and has splits under the lock, on the back of the left stock flat, and over the middle and front ramrod tubes. The cap on the front of the forestock is gone. The thumb plate on the stock has a “N 10” engraved on it, which is a rack or inventory number. Here is a great piece for the collection or for display that is in original flintlock. 

Own the original! This is a legitimate antique and not a reproduction.

Barrel is 38-5/8 inches.

Caliber: .69 Flintlock

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

$2600

#230385
 

Antique: Yes

Price: $2,600.00
Buy Now