1766...

[Gus Alexander]

A friend has this hanging on the wall. I think it's a piece of history. I've scoured the web for info, and I beleive it's 1766, French built, the trigger guard was added when it hit colonial hands..un fortunately, there's no lock. We would appreciate any leads on an original lock plate & hammer.. the plan is to make it operationally correct.. Any help is apreciated.

 

[Gus Alexander]

More pictures..

 

[Gus Alexander]

 

[Conquerordie]

It does appear to be French, but without more French markings, it could be American from 1795 on. If it was French I'd say it was made with the improvements implemented to the Model 1763 muskets starting in 1768. Hard to say. The stock looks to be in very good condition. This was made before interchangable parts were a thing, so any original lock might not fit perfectly in the lock mortise. Meaning the lock bolts alignment might be off too. It would be some tricky restoration work. Maybe buying a set of castings from The Rifle Shoppe and fitting it to the mortise would work.

Love the M1861 above it! Got any pics of that!

 

[Grayrock Volunteer]

The band spring locations indicate this gun was made no earlier than 1816. Please post a photo of the opposite side of the buttstock, as well as any barrel proofs, and cartouches on the stock flat. Knowing the length of the barrel would also be helpful.

 

[Gus Alexander]

The band spring locations indicate this gun was made no earlier than 1816. Please post a photo of the opposite side of the buttstock, as well as any barrel proofs, and cartouches on the stock flat. Knowing the length of the barrel would also be helpful.

 

[Gus Alexander]

Those are all the marking I can find & pictured..

 

[Gus Alexander]

Got a few more pictures & tape measure. 36" barrel, 6 3/4-7/8" thelock is 2 3/4" wide.