A FINE COLONIAL/AMERICAN REVOLUTIONARY WAR PERIOD DUTCH-GERMANIC TYPE FLINTLOCK MUSKET, by “AUBERT”, ca. 1750: In overall fine original flintlock condition. Long, octagonal to round, 45”, smoothbore, band-fastened, .75 caliber barrel with a top-mounted bayonet lug: of classic early form with a 12” octagonal breech-section, a wedding-band transition and the left side of the breech with a “SVL” {Suhl (German) Arsenal marking}. Retains choice, clean, steel-gray surfaces with some light patches of discoloration and scattered fine pitting. Molded and nicely carved, figured, walnut fullstock with some scattered handling marks and signs of use and wear. Plain, military form Dutch-Germanic, iron mounts, en suite with the barrel and lock surfaces. The trigger-guard with long finials, a large fluted bow, a curled trigger and fitted with its sling-swivel. Classic, Dutch/Germanic, S-Shaped sideplate with convex surfaces and a downward pointing tail: retains both of its sidebolts. The butt-plate with a long screw-fastened, pointed forward finial and large-head screw-fastening of classic Dutch-Germanic form: matching smooth surfaces and a fine contours. Four (4) barrel bands: the rear two “friction fit” and the uppermost with spring-retainers: the second band with its original sling-swivel. Rounded Banana form lock with a smooth steel-gray patina; and in mechanically functional order with fine timing and strong mainspring: an early form un-bridled powder-pan. Matching, gooseneck hammer and frizzen. Signed with an “AUBERT” maker’s signature: “Francois Aubert” of Luneville and Longuyon, France was a noted gunsmith who worked, ca. 1710-1741 (Please see E. Heer’s: “Der Neue Stockel”, vol. 1, pg. 35). In overall fine condition with choice steel and wooden surfaces. The barrel with sharp contours, a fine touch-hole, clear markings, smooth steel surfaces and a very good bore. The stock with fine surfaces, 85% finish, some expected light abrasions, signs of use and minor abrasions. The lock with its original components, a strong mainspring, clear signature and fine timing. A fine example of a Colonial/American Revolutionary War Period Dutch-Germanic Infantry Musket, ca. 1750. In original flintlock configuration and complete with its iron ramrod. Overall length, 60″. For similar examples, please see G. C. Neumann’s: “Battle Weapons”, pg. 108 & 114.
Images and description courtesy of Paul’s Antique Arms & Armour at: http://www.ambroseantiques.com/flongarms.htm