Original Item: Only One Available- as used in the American Revolution and Napoleonic war. Once as numerous as Brown Bess Muskets the French equivalent was referred to as the CHARLEVILLE Musket. However, Charleville was only one of the manufacturing Arsenals, the predominant one being St. Étienne. The design was first introduced in 1717, and went through numerous versions over the years such as the 1763 and 1766 variants, which were supplied in some quantities to the American Colonies during the Revolutionary War.

The Modèle 1777 is very similar to the earlier Charleville muskets, however the design of the stock was modified, with a cheek rest cut into the inboard side of the butt. It also features a slanted brass priming pan and bridle, and a modified trigger guard with two rear finger ridges. After the French Revolutionary Wars, first consul Napoleon Bonaparte commissioned a rework; some minor modifications on the lock, bayonet and stock resulted in the Modèle 1777 corrigé en l'an IX (Model 1777 corrected in the year IX, or 1800 in the French Revolutionary Calendar). This was the primary weapon produced and used during the Napoleonic wars, and would go on to be one of the most widespread weapons in the European Continent.

This example has all steel mounts, as brass mounts were generally only used for Naval issue. The lock is marked with just a CROWN / P / 30, with the markings around the barrel nocks form having been mostly removed, leaving only traces. We assume that this musket was captured during the Napoleonic wars, and like many was scrubbed of the French markings and put into service domestically. Differing from the Brown Bess not only using all steel mounts the barrel is secured by three-barrel bands and not pins. Very good used overall condition this musket comes with a later model all steel button front ramrod. Stocks are in very good condition, with no major damage or repairs. We checked the lock action, and it is fully functional, holding at half-cock and releasing at full.

In 1815 the final defeat of Napoleon Bonaparte at the Battle of Waterloo closed the doors on the Emperor's ambitions and French Military dominance in Europe. This is a very good example of what the typical soldier was armed with, later captured and scrubbed of its French markings. Ready to research and display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: circa 1810
Caliber: .69"
Cartridge Type: Ball and Powder
Barrel Length: 42 3/4 Inches
Overall Length: 58 Inches
Action type: Side Action Lock
Feed System: Muzzle Loaded

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