DESCRIPTION: Belgian M.1831 infantry flintlock rifled musket. Caliber: 17.5 mm. This was the first newly manufactured musket of the Belgian army after Belgium became independent in 1830. The right side of the buttstock displays a fading Belgian military property cartouche with partially recognizable wording, "Crown over L, (...), 1831 (?)". This is a royal initial of King Leopold I (reigned: 1831-1865, widely respected and frequently spoken of as, "the Nestor of Europe"). There are also smaller cartouches and markings stamped on the left side of the buttstock, most likely, indicating Belgian government ownership of the musket. The lockplate displays a letter, "M" (just in front of the hammer). The barrel tang does not show any markings. The counter plate displays a "Star over A". The flintlock pan displays letters, "CR". There are also several other numbers and proofs stamped on barrel and other iron parts of the musket. The stock is made of walnut and extends to within three inch of the muzzle. The left side of the buttstock is scooped out for a cheek rest. The barrel is attached to the stock by three flat barrel bands, that are retained by springs. Two sling swivels are located on a stud in front of the trigger guard bow, and on the middle barrel band. There is a socket bayonet lug on the barrel, near the muzzle (please, see pictures). The flintlock pan is made of brass. All iron furniture. Complete with an iron ramrod. The musket is virtually identical to weapons used by the French Napoleonic army, except for the markings. CONDITION: Fine. The flint lock works fine. All the iron parts of the musket are covered by a uniform layer of brown patina. The buttplate is covered by dark brown patina. The markings are partially visible on both, metal and wood. Nice stock in original finish with some handling marks, small dings and light scratches. The left side of the buttstock shows some surface hairline cracks (please, see pictures). There is also a hairline crack on the left side of the stock, just below the upper counter plate screw (please, see pictures). There is another hairline crack on the left side of the stock, between the nosecap and the middle band (the crack was glued long time ago). Overall length: 57.25 inch. Barrel length: 42.25 inch.Very attractive and seldom encountered Belgian M.1831 flintlock rifled musket! These muskets are difficult to find in original flintlock configuration, as most of them were converted to percussion configuration starting in 1838.
