A VERY GOOD UNTOUCHED REGIMENTALLY MARKED REVOLUTIONARY WAR PERIOD DUTCH MUSKET, ca. 1770: In overall very good untouched original flintlock condition. Round, 42″, iron, band-fastened, smoothbore, .74 caliber barrel with a top mounted-bayonet lug and an “IV 372” Regimental marking at the muzzle. Classic, molded and carved, Dutch-type, hardwood fullstock with a long narrow wrist and a squared off butt with a pronounced comb: the left side with a deep “1385” Rack No. brand. Full brass regulation-type furniture: trigger-guard with arrow-finials, “S” shaped sideplate with an “IM” maker’s mark (Stockel, No. 3478) knob head screw-fastened buttplate and three sheet brass barrel-bands– the forward 2 having securing springs. Several working life replaced screws on the buttplate and missing its sling swivels. Flat faceted flintlock with engraved lightly toned, untouched, steel gray surfaces overall. In overall very good untouched condition. The barrel with sharp contours and Regimental markings: retains an untouched steel-gray age patina with some scattered discoloration and fine pitting. The lock with crisp mechanics and original components: retains 25%+ original polish with sharp contours and a matching patina. Good stock with 75% original finish, some scattered handling marks and numereous/many worm holes from years of poor storage. Very good relief carving and untouched surfaces. A very nice example of an untouched Dutch variant American Revolutionary War Period Regimentally Marked Musket. For similar examples, please see G. C. Neumann’s: “Battle Weapons of the American Revolution”. Overall length, 57 1/2″.
Images and description courtesy of Paul’s Antique Arms & Armour at: http://www.ambroseantiques.com/flongarms.htm