Officer Fusil?

[Granville]

Question on a piece. How can you tell the difference between an Officers Fusil and a Fowler? This piece I’ve had for 35 years, 39” barrel, looks about 62 cal? Thanks

 

[Artificer]

Not the only difference, but a huge difference is an Officer's Fusil was normally, though not always, relieved near the muzzle for a socket bayonet.

Gus

 

[tenngun]

The officers fusils I’ve seen in photos looked like light muskets, these were privately bought and we have fictional accounts of officers hunting with their light fusils

 

[dave_person]

Hi Granville,
I think you have a civilian sporting gun from the late 18th century. It looks British or perhaps New England with imported or reused British parts. The consensus among at least British and American firearms historians is that officer fusils were not common, not government issue (meaning they were purchased privately), always had sling swivels, and were set up to mount full sized bayonets. It is important to understand that both British and American militaries vacillated about officers carrying firelocks. Some senior officers believed no line officers should be focused on loading and shooting, rather only on leading their men, while others thought officers needed firearms to protect themselves.

dave

 

[Granville]

Thanks for the information, I picked this up from a WW2 veterans family, along with a German Helmet and bayonet. They said he brought it home from the war, yet I cant be certain about the Flintlock. I kept it because it has not been buggered with, never seen a piece of sand paper on wood or metal. Its super light and points well. Thanks again!

 

[dave_person]

Hi,
There should be stamped proof marks near the breech and possibly even a maker's name or mark. The name on the lock might be "Hunt" but that is not clear. Joseph Hunt was a Birmingham maker late in the 18th century. Here are photos of a gun of the same style and vintage by H. W. Mortimer.

dave

 

[Granville]

I’ll check for proofs after work thanks.