What is this musketty thing?

[TRP]

Continuing my interest in early flint muskets, I bid on this thing but didn't get it. Auctioneer said 72 caliber and rifled, but I expect the rifling was done looong after it was made. Does anyone have any ideas what it is and when it was made? I thought maybe Swedish or a German State? Musketlike commercial gun?

 

[2 shots]

looks like a french, dutch and german mutt

 

[springfield art]

Interesting! No bbl. bands.

 

[wiscoaster]

The projection on the top of the barrel in front looks more like a bayonet lug than a front sight, so yes, probably a musket is my guess.

 

[Banjoman]

First of all it’s a very interesting gun.

I’m no expert and definitely not qualified to speak about this gun, but I’m very interested in hearing from those who do know because several things just don’t look right to me. I see this as an opportunity to learn something.

Thanks for posting.

 

[Conquerordie]

It's odd how the stock shows no wear, very crisp. Also odd for a musket is the engraving on the triggerguard and butt plate tang. Most of the screw heads have no wear either. Don't know what to make of it. If it's old, it's been in a time capsule somewhere. I'm not convinced it old

 

[cynthialee]

the lock and barrel are older than the wood, though the wood sort of looks aged a bit, considering the barrel condition and the condition of the wood, no way that is the original stock for that barrel

looks like a cobbled together job probably decades ago, the craftsman was decent but not an expert, that butt plate tells that tale
I wonder after the rifling, can we get a look at it please?

looks serviceable, I'd shoot it

 

[Flint62Smoothie]

Well, Belgium was VERY prolific in building BP flint arms from ANY assortment of original parts, even in the 20th century!

 

[tenngun]

Isn’t that Swedish? I was thinking they looked like the child of a bess and Charlie and had the half octagon barrel

 

[TRP]

FWIW I thought Swedish or northern Europe, those marks and the butt shape look like that. If it were French I would think it would be proofed.

I am also just trying to learn, and don't feel so ignorant since you all are mystified too. It's not mine, it was recently auctioned (not to me) and that's all I have for pictures. It went for less than a thousand which I thought was cheap if it could be identified.

 

[Conquerordie]

I think it will take you awhile to get a feel for early guns, because there is just sooooo much variety in them. To me, you were lucky to not win it. The parts might be original, but the gun as a whole is not. The low price reflects the fact that it isn't an 18th century firearm.

The best thing to do is think hard about what type of early firearm you want the most, and then read, read, and read some more. Educate yourself on that particular style. Buy books, read articles, go to museums and study originals. Then when you see an auction you can get the most for your money, and be satisfied you now own a historic piece for your collection.

This of course is just my humble opinion. I'm not an expert, or claim to be, just a guy who loves historical arms like everyone else on this forum. Some might think this is an original piece. That's the benefit of a site like this, you get both sides of the argument, and you get to make the best decision based on what you believe.

 

[Woodwright]

Image blowups of the markings on the lock and barrel that may help someone with identification.

 

[Banjoman]

Here’s the lock on my India made Fusil de Chasse if it means anything.