Lot 1200

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Description:

MODEL 1777 "CHARLEVILLE" MUSKET
Smoothbore flintlock musket, 42 3/4" barrel, 58" overall, a French Model 1777, commonly known as the "Charleville" in American usage, after the armory at Charleville-Mezieres in the Ardennes department of France. The weapon feature''s its original lockplate with a slanted brass flash pan, while the remaining fittings are iron, including the barrel bands and the trigger guard, the rear strap of which bears two finger ridges, original to this model of musket. The muzzle cap is flared, differentiating this weapon from the later "corrected" model introduced in 1800 under Napoleon''s orders. The barrel is smooth until the final 2" at the breech, which tapers to an octagonal shape. A bayonet retaining lug is fitted to the underside of the muzzle. The stock is walnut, and features a cup-shaped cutout at the left-hand side of the butt for the shooter''s cheek. The breech and lockplate bear no markings, apart from several unidentified proof marks beneath the wood and on the backside of the plate; it appears that markings may have been removed from the rear strap of the barrel at the wrist. The butt shows the rack number "396", and an indistinct numeral appears on the underside of the muzzle cap. Although primarily issued the Models 1763 and 1766 muskets, some Continental troops received the Model 1777 during the American Revolution; many American-used examples of all three models were scrubbed of French markings. The lock mechanism is crisp, with the lock spring still very strong. The metalwork overall shows an even layer of surface oxidation, albeit with very little pitting. The bore is dark and shows oxidation and dirt. The sling swivels are present and correct, as are the barrel band retaining springs, although the ramrod is likely a replacement. The stock appears to have been varnished, and shows a 2 1/4" crack on the left-hand side running back from the breech, with a second repaired crack behind the rear strap of the trigger guard. The stock is further pocked with numerous minute holes, especially at the butt, likely the work of wood-boring insects. Still a fine example in original configuration. Although these weapons were rarely used by American soldiers during the Revolutionary War, they were the main weapon of the French expeditionary troops under the Comte de Riochambeau during that conflict, and saw universal use during the French Revolutionary Wars, and with modifications served during the Napoleonic Wars.

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April 18, 2018 10:00 AM EDT
Chesapeake City, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 + $10,000