New,old musket

Greetings. This is my first time down here in the Civil War. I just aquired a smooth bore: French cal. 71 Mod.1840 -manuf.at Mutzig Armorie, France -The union Army imported 25,00 in 1862, but they were deemed "4th class" weapons and none were issued. This info came with the gun.-- It has a 32.5 in. bbl, 2 bands - back action lock w/ huge perc. hammer, folding rear sight bar w/ 4 inverted tead drop apperatures. Sling swivels fore & aft.(modern type)& bayonet lug. It is in very good, working cond. with a really decent barrel. Pending a picture, has anyone got info or a suggestion of a book to look it up?? Thanks, Bill

 

[Gary]

Firepower From Abroad by Wiley Sword. Mind you, I don't have a copy myself (and should). I've heard nothing but good about it (and that's why I really should). Bill Edwards briefly discusses imported arms in his book, Civil War Guns. Chapter 6, Millions for Muskets, describes the acquisition efforts of both Blue & Grey. Chapter 22 on Continental Arms does into greater discussions on the individual arms imported from their respective nation. Post a pic if you can.

 

Gary - thanks for the info. I talked to the guy that I got it from and he thinks he has a little more on the subject. I'll try to find the books you mentioned, too.--- Bill

 

[Va.Manuf.06]

Very interesting OR562, check the inside of the lock plate, it should be marked with the model of the gun (M1840, M1842, etc.) Due to the lenght of the barrel I am betting that it is a M1840 or M1842 French Carbine with Delvigne breech. Is the sight marked to 550 meters? And I agree with Gary's recommendation, the Edwards book as a reference is one of the best, it can be hard to read because Bill is a little confusing in his arrangements of the material but it is still one of the best general books on guns of the Civil War, even after 45 years. Looking forward to pictures.

 

The sight has no markings visible. The rear lock screw has a spanner type head. Not having a proper wrench, I tried my snap ring tools but the screw is tight. Pics ASAP(but don't hold your breath.) I have to master my friend's camera first.
Thanks for all the info. - Bill

 

Well I'm back-On the lock face is written in cursive--Mre Rle
de Mutzig--- and a fancy N in a circle------on back of lock-each part & screws have matching #s (12), the plate has #s 13,50,81 & x20 all in diff. positions( sideways,etc)---bottom of barrel has many #s and ? proof marks, mostly undecernable & the barrel are matched (B 433). If a picture actually shows up, I'll post more. If not I'll keep trying to figure it out!!

 

Finally a pic

 

More===== took my granddaughter about a minute, then another 5 min. to explain it to me !!!

 

[Rebel]

Guess you need another 10 minutes of explaining Bill. :rotf:

 

OK ! I give up!! Thanks anyway folks. I'm off to by some books on old guns. This ain't workin' for me !!

 

[Rebel]

If this is the reply you meant in the e-mail i was refering to the fact that the pics were not there.

 

[bohica]

 

[RickD]

Nice rifle

 

Bohica - OK, I'm really confused now. Where did you find my pictures? They were there Fri and half of Sat., then disappeared. Anyway, thanks, Bill