the officers fusil - its place in history

[mattybock]

We've probably all seen the fancy, light and sleek flintlocks labeled as 'officer's fusils'. I've seen and few and strongly believe that the lock plates were cast in lost wax to get so much detail. But - what is this gun's place in history? Were they ever actually give to military officers, and were those men expected to go to battle with them? Dove hunting with other officers, I can buy that (rich officers get luxury, poor soldiers get beans). But who knows for sure?

 

[pargent]

Yes they were meant to use them , but their use came and went depending on time and location .Most were private purchase some were purchased by the regt. col. and the officers had to pay the cost back and according to De Witt Bailey some were purchased by the Tower and supplied and a very small number were made by the tower (Artillery Officers ).

 

[Bill Bizoff]

"His excellency (General Braddock) likewise recommends it to all the Officers to provide them selves if possible with Fuzies, as Espontoons will be extremely inconvenient and useless in the Woods".
March 27, 1755. Braddocks Orderly Books, p. VIII.

Bill

 

[Supercracker]

To take it one sidestep further. There would have ikely been cavalry officers who would have provided their own weapons. So there should also be a PC/HC justification for short barreled smooth guns of a military nature. I would think.

 

[George]

To take it one sidestep further. There would have ikely been cavalry officers who would have provided their own weapons. So there should also be a PC/HC justification for short barreled smooth guns of a military nature. I would think.

Like this.

The Pennsylvania Gazette
March 7, 1778
In CONGRESS, February 27, 1778.

By order of the Board,
HORATIO GATES, President.
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Resolved, That it be earnestly recommended to the young gentlemen of property and spirit in the States of New Hampshire, Massachusetts Bay, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Maryland, Virginia and North Carolina forthwith to constitute within their respective States, a troop or troops of light cavalry to serve at their own expence (except in the article of provisions for themselves, and forage for their horses) until the 31st of December next:
[clip
LIST OF NECESSATIES AND ACCOUTREMENTS by each HORSEMAN. 1. A well tempered sword, the blade straight, and three feet long, with the back sharpened up six inches from the point; an open guard about the hilt; that will be light and yet defend the hand; with a scabbard of substantial leather without wood. 2. A carbine, fusee, or short blunderbuss; the barrel of the blunderbuss not to exceed two feet in length. 3. A pair of pistols and holsters. 4. A sword belt --- a belt for the carbine, with a running swivel that will slip to any part of the belt. 5. A cartridge box to buckle round the waist, with twelve tin pipes for the cartridges. 6. A helmet of jacked leather, and effectually guarded by several rows of small chain, iron or steel hoops, or a hat with a steel or iron scull piece inside the crown. 7. A saddle, saddle cloth, breast plate, crupper, saddle straps and pad. 8. Saddle bags connected by two broad straps, in the common fashion, and not a portmanteau. 9. A double reined bridle, with a curb and snaffle bit, and a halter. 10. A cloak sufficient to cover all the arms and accoutrements, and which is to serve also in the place of a blanket. 11. Boots and spurs.

These articles, made as near as may be according to the above directions, with a good horse, will fit each man for the field

Spence

 

[Shine]

38 inches was considered short.

 

[Many Klatch]

At least one Hessian officer armed himself with a double barreled shotgun as his firearm during the AWI.

 

[Stumpkiller]

As noted, they were not issue. They were private purchases. Previously discouraged as an officer has more to do than futz with a musket or firelock. In the Americas warfare was a bit less civilized and even the camps and byways were unsafe so officers armed themselves (after the upper eschelons of the military and government allowed . . .and some before).

Carbine lengths and calibers were popular - like 42" or even 38" barrels and calibers of 16 or 18 bore. Some had small bayonets that stored in a butt trap. And they were invariably better fit and finish than the Land Patterns.

 

[Tinker2]

Some had small bayonets that stored in a butt trap.

Neat. Got pictures?


William Alexander