DESCRIPTION: French Model 1777 style flintlock musket. Caliber: 17.5 mm smoothbore. The musket's barrel band configuration is similar to French Model 1777 (corrected year IX). The nosecap is connected with a long ramrod tube, extending to the middle barrel band (please, see pictures). The lockplate displays a letter, "L". The barrel shows a letter, "R". The buttplate and trigger guard display a letter, "S". The right side of the buttstock shows numbers, "5 214" (issue markings?). The left side of the stock displays a number, "71" (just behind the counterplate). No other markings are present on the musket. The musket features a tilted brass pan on the lockplate. Three barrel band configuration. Two sling swivels. All iron furniture. Iron front sight blade on the nosecap. Socket bayonet lug on the barrel, near the muzzle. Walnut stock. Complete with a ramrod. CONDITION: Fine. The flintlock mechanism functions perfectly, and will spark the frizzen and open it, as it should. Correct, polished steel finish on all the metal parts, mixed with scattered patina. Some surface rust on the barrel, along the stock lines. All the markings are clearly visible on metal and wood. Nice stock in original finish with some handling marks and light scratches. There is a hairline crack on the left side of the stock, near the upper counterplate screw (please, see pictures). There are also two small hairline cracks in the front part of the stock. Some wear to wood near the ramrod channel. Overall length: 55 inch. Barrel length: 40 inch. This interesting flintlock musket needs more research. (Ref. "French Military Weapons 1717-1938", by James E. Hicks, pp. 18 and 37).
