A FINE REVOLUTIONARY WAR PERIOD FRENCH MODEL 1754/77 “CHARLEVILLE” CARBINE, ca. 1777: In overall fine untouched original flintlock condition. Octagonal-to-round, iron, 34″, French Model 1754-type, smoothbore, .74 caliber, band-fastened barrel with a 8” octagonal breech-section, a top-mounted bayonet-lug and an illegible Arsenal marking, on the left side of the breech. Regulation Pattern, unmarked, Model 1754 flat faceted lock with a pointed & stepped tail, its gooseneck hammer, teardrop finial frizzen-spring and bridled powder-pan; smooth steel-gray surfaces and a fine age patina overall. “Charleville Model 1777” walnut fullstock with nicely sculpted and contoured surfaces, a fine untouched patina and an incised cheek-piece, on the left side of the butt. Retains fine wood surfaces with a dark and untouched patina, some light scattered handling marks and 85% finish. Model 1754/66 iron mounts with smooth steel gray surfaces: regulation type trigger-guard with long teardrop finials and its original sling swivel, a flat “S”-shaped sideplate, three barrel bands (the rear with the 1768-73 improvement). Regulation pattern, screw retained buttplate and its original trumpet-head iron ramrod. In overall fine untouched original flintlock condition with sharp contours and much finish. The barrel and lock with a fine steel-gray patina and some light discoloration. The lock retains its original components and is in functional order with fine timing and a strong mainspring. Fine stock with sharp contours and some expected minor handling marks and signs of use/handling. The hardware with a matching, steel-gray/gray-brown age patina, choice smooth surfaces and some light wear. An fine example of a late Revolutionary War Period “Charleville” Carbine, ca. 1777. Retains both of its sling swivels. Overall length, 49″. For more information, please see G. C. Neumann’s: “Battle Weapons of the American Revolution”.
Images and description courtesy of Paul’s Antique Arms & Armour at: http://www.ambroseantiques.com/flongarms.htm