Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. This is an original German .72 caliber, Potsdam Model 1809/31 smoothbore, single-shot muzzleloader in very good condition. Musket measures a total length of almost 57" with a 41¼" long barrel and is still in the original flintlock configuration. Large numbers of these were later converted to percussion, but this one somehow escaped. There are signs of light powder burn at the breach. In very presentable condition, with a great patina of age that has been cleaned and polished a bit, to make this an excellent display piece. Also, unlike most that we have seen, this musket still retains its original sling swivels!
The lockplate surface has a nice patina as well, and exhibits a slightly peppery look from scattered fine rust pitting. Lockplate is 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 clear and feature the Prussian crown over markings and stamped Potsdam / G. L.
The barrel knoxform is marked with a Crown over FW, for Frederick William III of Prussia. There are some other markings, but they unfortunately are quite faded, and not legible. Mechanics are strong and crisp, though the lock does fire at half-cock. Barrel is secured to the stock via three brass bands retained by springs. Upper brass band is double-strapped, and has the front sight on the rear strap.
All brass wears a mellow bronze patina. Finials of the trigger guard and the toe of the butt plate terminate in distinct three-pointed ends. Butt plate stamped with the date of manufacture, 1836, with rack number 34 above it.
Black walnut stock with its recessed cheek piece is handsome and strong. Wood surface is dark but has a great patina, with the expected dents and other wear from long service. A fine Prussian "Potsdam" Pattern 1809/31 smoothbore flintlock musket.
Many of these were imported from Germany just prior to the U.S. Civil War and issued mostly to the Confederacy. However, this example was most likely brought back after WWI or WWII, as only percussion conversions were exported.
Ready to display!
Specifications:
Year of Manufacture: 1836
Caliber: .72 inches
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 41 1/4 inches
Overall Length: 57 inches
Action: Flintlock
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.
- 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. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers". 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.
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