Original Item. Only One Available. Norway and Denmark were united as the Kingdom of Denmark-Norway from 1536 to 1814, with Copenhagen as the capital of the united both country. During this time they shared a military, and utilized identical firearms throughout the 17th and 18th centuries. Denmark-Norway however made the unfortunate choice of siding with Revolutionary France in the 1790s and in 1801 they suffered terribly at the hands of Admiral Horatio Nelson's fleet at the Battle of Copenhagen. After being on the losing side at the end of the Napoleonic Wars, Denmark was forced to Cede Norway to Sweden, which ended the Danish-Norwegian firearms connection.

This is a very nice example of the Model 1774 Smoothbore Flintlock Infantry Musket in 18.3mm Caliber, as used by Denmark and Norway. After the end of the Napoleonic wars, almost all of these early flintlock muskets were later updated at least once, first to percussion, and then often to pillar-breech rifles, however this example is still in the original configuration! Some parts may be missing, but we see no evidence that it was altered from the original configuration, and it has a lovely patina of age that is simply impossible to duplicate. These old long Scandinavian muskets make great display pieces, and it would look great on any wall!

We have seen this model referred to alternately as M1774 Infanterimuskett or the Glat musket for infanteri model 1774 (Smooth Musket for Infantry M1774). Interestingly, we consulted Gamle Danske Militær-Våben (Old Danish Military Weapons) by Th. Møller, and it does not appear. The very similar M1769 converted from Jaeger Musket does appear, but not the 1774, however it is definitely a known type, and this matches the type perfectly.

It has the correct 41 inch long smoothbore barrel with a caliber of 18.3mm, and measures 56 1/2 inches in overall length. The barrel is held in place by steel pins, not the wedges in escutcheons as seen on the later model 1794. The lock plate has the correct "banana" shape with a teat on the tail, showing a rounded profile with a bevel towards the front. The pan also has a guard as a rear, and the cock is the correct "swan-neck" type. The tang of the brass butt plate has the characteristic design, and the two giant flathead screws on the rear of the butt plate are a hallmark of this era of Danish-Norwegian firearms.

As most we see, there are very few markings on the musket, with a few small proof marks on the lock plate, which are worn. The left side of the barrel looks to have a regimental marking, which may read I-R · E · 10 · R., though we cannot be sure due to the wear and oxidation on the barrel. There is also something scrawled on the left side of the butt stock, but we cannot make out what it says.

Overall condition is very good, with a lovely mottled patina on the lock and barrel, showing some past peppering and subsequent cleaning. The brass hardware has a lovely mellow patina, as does the large brass foresight, with no major wear. The lock is functional, though if the trigger is pulled very hard it can be made to fire at half cock. The stock is probably made from beech wood, and is lovely and in great condition. It has the usual dents and dings from service, but no major damage, and we cannot see any cracks or repairs. It is however missing both the rear and front sling swivels, probably lost long ago. The iron cone tipped ramrod is in good shape, and looks to have an intact threaded hole on the front for tool attachment.

A great example of an 18th Century Danish - Norwegian Flintlock musket, one that escaped being altered multiple times during the 19th century. Ready to research and display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: circa 1785
Caliber: 18.3mm / 0.72" smoothbore
Cartridge Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 41 Inches
Overall Length: 56 1/2 Inches
Action type: Side action Lock with Dog Safety
Feed System: Muzzle Loading

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