Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. This is an original German .74 caliber, "Potsdam" Model 1809 smoothbore, single-shot muzzleloader in very good condition. These were designed at the large Prussian Arsenal in Potsdam outside of Berlin, though they were also manufactured elsewhere. The musket measures a total length of 50 1/4" with a 35" long barrel, and has been converted to percussion configuration. It also was shortened by about 6 inches during this time, and there have been significant repairs to the stock. Many of these were imported for use during the U.S. Civil war, so it's possible that it was altered during the conflict. There are some repairs along the fore stock wood line, and the butt stock has had the top 1 inch completely replaced. We also assume that the entire stock was refinished at this time.
The musket does show powder burn on and around the cap nipple cone bolster, so it definitely did see use after conversion. The cleanout and cap nipple come were replaced during the restoration process as well. It is still in the original 0.74" caliber with a smoothbore barrel. The lockplate surface has a lovely lightly oxidized patina, looking to have been refinished with case hardening, and has a curved tail that terminates into a small teat that differentiates it from the later 1839 model. Markings are standard with none found behind the hammer. Forward of the hammer, the markings are mostly clear show a very faint CROWN over Neisſe, a known marking on these muskets. It most likely indicates they were produced at an arsenal near the Neisse river, which today is the border between Southwest Poland and Germany, but at that point was part of one of the German states. The securing spots for the frizzen and spring can still be seen, though they are now plugged.
The barrel nocks form features a Prussian Crown over FW monogram, for Prussian King Frederick William III, who reigned 1797 - 1840, next to a date of 1818. The musket features an iron butt plate, which is also dated 1818, matching the barrel. It also looks to be marked with 22 L W R / 12 C, a German regimental marking. There are markings stamped into the right side and bottom of the butt stock, which we are unfortunately unable to read accurately due to wear to the wood.
The finials of the trigger guard and the toe of the butt plate terminate in distinct three-pointed ends, correct for this model. It looks like the trigger guard rear broke away at some point, and another piece was added in its place. Black walnut stock with its recessed cheek piece is quite handsome, with a great color, and a good amount of flame figuring to the wood. There is a ramrod under the stock, but it is definitely a fabricated replacement.
A very interesting "Potsdam" Musket, ready for further research and restoration!
Specifications:
Year of Manufacture: 1818 - Converted Later
Caliber: .74"
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 35 inches
Overall Length: 50 1/4 inches
Action: Side Action Percussion Lock
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded
NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.
- This product is available for international shipping.
IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.
These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.
Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.
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