1773 Belgian Flintlock Regiment marked ???

[WY938]

So this is my first post as I am new to Flintlock rifles. I am looking to buy my first rifle and then learn to shot it with my son. He is a History student and almost done with his associates degree Im pretty proud of him he will be the first in our family to graduate from collage. but any how I am trying to identify this rifle we are guessing revolutionary war?? or a Khyber pass fake not sure at all Here are some pics and please all comments and suggestions are welcome!!
click on link for pics PICS HERE

 

[WY938]

Any Ideas on this rifle????

 

[springfield art]

I'm sure you'll get replies. Marks may be rack no's, but pretty knowledgeable people here will no no doubt clue you in. I'm sure we will be looking for any comments. Nice old gun!

 

[Cruzatte]

I don't think it's a rifle. It looks like a musket to me. They were smooth bored, rather like shotguns during the flintlock era.

 

[WY938]

Thanks Springfield art I hate to buy a fake piece of junk that I cant learn to fire . I am reading up on how the Kentucky and Pennsylvania rifles came about in America very interesting but its just left me with more questions as far as what it is I have posted pictures of. Im thinking its maybe Belgian, German, English, or an old Khyber pass Junker..... no clue yet..... Now adding Musket or Rifle to the wonder list!!!! Thanks Cruzatte!!!

 

[WY938]

ANYBODY Know what this rifle is ????

 

[Sam squanch]

Looks German or Austrian to me.

 

[Sam squanch]

Now I see “ Belgium” stamped on it.

 

[nit wit]

Looks like a decent Belgian SB musket
Nit Wit

 

[Phil Coffins]

That maybe a real musket but that isn’t what I would suggest to a friend to learn this sport on. Other than making it go bang what goals do you have? Target shooting, hunting, reenacting or other?

 

[WY938]

just some target shooting

 

[WY938]

So what do you guys think is 900$ a fair price???

 

[WY938]

anybody in touch with the market prices help with a ballpark value?? 900$ is what they askin...

 

[erhunter]

That's a nice musket to collect, but if I were to shoot it regularly I think I would look into a kit rifle from Jim Kibler, maybe a flint rifle? That way you and your son could build it (they are really nice guns and fairly easy to assemble) with great memories and have a modern but "old feel" rifle.

 

[dave_person]

Hi,
The gun is an Austrian Lorenz rifled musket that someone turned into a flintlock. The mark on the lock is from the Austro-Hungarian Empire during the mid-late 19th century. The Belgium made barrel was probably substituted when the lock was turned from percusssion to flint. Someone was trying to fake an older gun. The "1773" if that is what it reads is either faked or has nothing to do with the date of the gun.

dave

 

[Penske]

I agree with Dave, but these were made up for the African gun trade. It seems flintlocks sold better than percussion locks. The same for smooth bores over rifled. I have seen a number of these over the years.

 

[dave_person]

Hi Penske,
I thought about that as well but did not want to speculate about it. While the African trade marketed flintlocks into the 20th century it is also possible the gun was altered as a movie prop or even something to fool a reenactor.

dave

 

[WY938]

Hi,
The gun is an Austrian Lorenz rifled musket that someone turned into a flintlock. The mark on the lock is from the Austro-Hungarian Empire during the mid-late 19th century. The Belgium made barrel was probably substituted when the lock was turned from percusssion to flint. Someone was trying to fake an older gun. The "1773" if that is what it reads is either faked or has nothing to do with the date of the gun.

dave

Thanks you all This is exactly what I needed to know about this gun I will not be making a mistake buying it...... Thanks so much

 

[WY938]

That's a nice musket to collect, but if I were to shoot it regularly I think I would look into a kit rifle from Jim Kibler, maybe a flint rifle? That way you and your son could build it (they are really nice guns and fairly easy to assemble) with great memories and have a modern but "old feel" rifle.

The historic value means the most to my son........................... but thanks for the idea

Ill be looking for a Harpers Ferry Flintlock

 

[Relic shooter]

So this is my first post as I am new to Flintlock rifles. I am looking to buy my first rifle and then learn to shot it with my son. He is a History student and almost done with his associates degree Im pretty proud of him he will be the first in our family to graduate from collage. but any how I am trying to identify this rifle we are guessing revolutionary war?? or a Khyber pass fake not sure at all Here are some pics and please all comments and suggestions are welcome!!
click on link for pics PICS HERE

Without handling the rifle I believe Dave Person's description is pretty close, it does appear it might be a rifle made up for the African trade.
Joining the ML forum was a good move, lots of great people here who are willing to help you out.
Belgium made quality proofed barrels for many nations & custom gun makers as well.
If the lock is in excellent working condition & as well as the breech area & barrel you might have a shooter but
is it a good buy ?? Without a close examination I personally would pass at that price.
Consider checking out the original military flint musket at a lesser price currently offered by one of our forum members as he's an experienced shooter & says it's shootable. As I recall the barrel has been shortened but it's a pretty neat rifle with real historical character.

I also prefer to collect & shoot original firearms that have history so I understand where your coming from.
The forum has numerous members in Colorado, perhaps there is a club member near you with similar interests who has experience to find a good buy near you ?
At 80 due to health issues I can no longer shoot my rifles so am considering selling my two remaining original big bore percussion Jeager rifles. One was originally a flintlock but was expertly later converted to percussion & both have perfect rifled bores are in excellent original condition but I live in Idaho.
Happy hunting,
Relic shooter