Indian-made 1763 Charleville?

[kb466]

Someone posted earlier that Military Heritage hoped to bring in a 1763 Charleville by the end of the year. I called them today about it and the lady I talked to did not know about it but offered to ask someone who would know. She suggested I call back in a month. I also called Middlesex Trading Company and was told they may bring one in next year, but weren't sure. Does anone have any more information than I was able to scrape up?

It seems it would be a good choice as it would be a natural for U.S. Revolutionary War reinactors. It could also be offered as a US M1795 Springfield with a only a change of markings. If any of you share my desire for one, you might also contact Middlesex or Military Heritage to encourage them.

And yes, I know Pedersoli makes them, but they don't look right. They also have the oversize, lawyer-proof breach, which might keep the foolish from blowing it up, but makes it look and handle badly.

 

[Mike Brooks]

It seems it would be a good choice as it would be a natural for U.S. Revolutionary War reinactors.

Wasn't the M1754 the more common model in the colonies in the Rev. war? Seems I read the French kept most of the 63's at home.
In my experience the breeches on military muskets are quite large, usually around 1 1/4". Do the Navy arms guns have larger breeches than that?

 

[jchochole]

The "M" as in Model wasn't a term used for the US until the US armory at Springfield went into production after 1795/98. The French were using the pattern 1763 and more commonly pattern 1786 by the Revolutionary War. Bear in mind the 1777 model was a far superb and newer model in their eyes, so the amount of surplus 1768's and 1763's were numerous and needed to be unloaded on the colonies.

I have a Pedersoli 1777 (for sale) and 1768 (which is now an M1795) and they are far too heavy for original specs. But at the same time- the complaints by both governments were that these muskets required far too much upkeep and constant maintenance. The move toward heavier stocks and moving parts will lead to the 1777 and the US M1816.

So if you want a thick and durable weapon- then head toward Pedersoli, but if you want a more authentic feeling and hefting weapon, then you'll (for now) have to find a Japanese Miroku-made Charleville from the 1980's or 1970's.

Cheers,
James Chochole

 

[weirdjack]

In my experience the breeches on military muskets are quite large, usually around 1 1/4". Do the Navy arms guns have larger breeches than that?

My Navy Arms Charleville that I built up from their kit in the late 1970's measures 1.25" at the touch hole.
ack

 

[kb466]

I figure if I want a 1763 Charleville, and it turns out that one will not be imported from India anytime soon, I will have to look for one of the Miroku Charlevilles. I understand they were available as kits back whenever. It would be nice to run across one of these unbuilt kits for sale.