Old Musket

glockman55 · Posted: Fri Feb 03, 2006 11:08 am Post subject: Old Musket

I have an old Musket handed down to me, my Dad tells me it is from around 1776. I've did a little research on it and I'm thinking maybe 1830 to 1860's, not sure. It's a percussion cap, but he said it was converted from a flint-lock years ago.The barrel is 42 in. long, smooth bore, maybe 60cal. about the size of a 20 ga. I've taken the gun apart and there isn't any name or serial numbers, but under the wood the barrel looks to be a silver color. I have some pics, but don't know how to post. Any ideas on this gun would be greatly appreciated.

Jerry

DallanC · Site Admin Joined: Jan 18, 2005 Posts: 3572 Location: Utah

You can attach photos several ways. You can upload them into the PhotoAlbums online here (here is a guide on how to do it: www.huntingnut.com/ind...cle&sid=5) or you can attach them during a post here by browsing to it in the "Add an Attachment" section below the Message Body section when you post a message.

Its better to put stuff in the photoalbums and link to them here rather than use plain message attachments (those arent presistant and there is a user limit on size and amount)

-DallanC

glockman55 · Posted: Fri Feb 03, 2006 12:29 pm Post subject: Re: Old Musket

DallanC wrote:

You can attach photos several ways. You can upload them into the PhotoAlbums online here (here is a guide on how to do it http//www.huntingnut.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=5) or you can attach them during a post here by browsing to it in the "Add an Attachment" section below the Message Body section when you post a message.

Its better to put stuff in the photoalbums and link to them here rather than use plain message attachments (those arent presistant and there is a user limit on size and amount)

-DallanC

I still have to figure out how to make my pic's smaller, Way too large.

DallanC · Site Admin Joined: Jan 18, 2005 Posts: 3572 Location: Utah

glockman55 wrote:

I still have to figure out how to make my pic's smaller, Way too large.

Its really easy, try this thread:

www.huntingnut.com/ind...&t=790

-DallanC

roklok · Posted: Sun Feb 12, 2006 6:47 pm Post subject: Re: Old Musket

Are there no markings at all on the lock? That seems unusual but it may not be the original lock.This looks to me like a French Charleville musket from the late 1700s or a US Springfield musket from the early 1800s.The distinctive forward barrel band is a French design but was copied by the early US muskets.During the revolution as you probably know France allied itself with the colonies and helped supply us,many Charleville muskets were used in the war. After the war The US patterned their muskets after the Charleville. The location of the rear sling loop looks more french to me though as the early Springfields that I am familiar with have the loop attached to the triggerguard itself rather than in front of it. Most of both types of muskets were 69 caliber.It looks like a fascinating piece,too bad it couldn't tell where all its been!

glockman55 · Posted: Mon Feb 13, 2006 2:13 pm Post subject: Re: Old Musket

Like I had said my Dad says he had always heard it dates back to 1776, It was converted over to a percussion cap from a flint lock. If it was in the 1700's it would have to been a flint lock, right?I sent you a few more pics, found some numbers stamped on the barrel. Dad has another old hex barrel rifle in black powder, I'll try to get some pic's and info on that one too.
Thanks Again:
Jerry

roklok · Posted: Mon Feb 13, 2006 8:54 pm Post subject: Re: Old Musket

I would say that theres a real good chance your dad is correct.If it does date back to the 1770s it would be definitely an original flintlock and French Charleville.

Gil Martin · Posted: Tue Feb 14, 2006 5:22 pm Post subject: Re: Old Musket

It looks exactly like the 1863 Springfield rifled musket .58 caliber percussion that I have over my fireplace. The stock and three barrel bands suggest it is from the Civil War. All the best...
Gil

Bushmaster · Posted: Tue Feb 14, 2006 7:16 pm Post subject: Re: Old Musket

Why are we guessing for...I can solve the problem real easy....Send it to me and I will identify it....MINE!!! that's what it will be...

roklok · Posted: Tue Feb 14, 2006 8:24 pm Post subject: Re: Old Musket

It may be an earlier Springfield but its not an 1863 Springfield.The 1863 had a curved buttplate,this buttplate is flat.1863 had three conventional barrel bands with a screw at bottom to draw tight.This musket has the french Charleville double forward band. 1863 had the front sight close the muzzle,this one is behind the forward band with a separate bayonet lug. While it certainly could have been used in the war between the states I am confident that it dates back farther.

Gil Martin · Posted: Wed Feb 15, 2006 5:44 pm Post subject: Re: Old Musket

roklok,
Good post. I agree and you apparently have a better view of the picture than shows up on my computer. Thanks for the clarity. All the best...
Gil

roklok · Posted: Wed Feb 15, 2006 6:53 pm Post subject: Re: Old Musket

Gil,to see a better view look in the photo albums,there are several pictures that show it better there.Let us know what you think.