Guns
Rare Revolutionary War Era Musket With “US” Surcharge Plus Initials “IP” (Joseph Perkins - Continental Armory Superintendent)
c. 1763-1770, Revolutionary War French Model 1763/66 Flintlock Service Musket with “US” Surcharges and initials “IP” (Joseph Perkins, Continental Armory Superintendent). Very Fine.
This fine American Revolutionary War use weapon measures 59.5” in overall length, having a 44 3/8”, .72 caliber barrel, with its wooden ramrod. This is a truly impressive French Military Model 1763/66 Flintlock Service Musket. This is a very rare type, imported from France by the Continental Army, to supply the troops under General George Washington in the American Revolutionary War. The lock is marked simply with a small “Crown” over “D” just in front of the cock on lock plate. The stock is stamped on the right side of the butt with “U. STATES”, “US”, and a very small “T.A. SHERMAN” and “MASS”(Massachusetts) over “78” (likely 1778) and the initials “IP” (Joseph Perkins, Continental Armory Superintendent).

The stock is solid, with intentional wood removal just under rear of lock for the sear, and is sanded during the period. There are scratches and dings from years of actual military service. There is a sighting groove on tange and breech and the rear sight, now lacking, that was mounted on top of barrel and the bayonet lug is also now lacking. The furniture is regulation Iron, and the flint is original. There is a bushed touch hole on the barrel from excessive firing. The top jaw screw and top jaw are lacking. The lower barrel band was discarded during the period of use and that area sanded. The lower and missile barrel band retaining springs are lacking and the front barrel band was period altered.

Early in 1777, the Continental Congress passed a resolution requiring and authorizing the marking of all arms and accoutrements owned by the United States, requiring these to be marked “US” or “UNITED STATES” (variations of this have been encountered such as “U.STATES”). These marks were applied to the top of the breech on barrels, lock plates and stocks. The presence of such historic original markings on weapons of any type of the American Revolutionary War and also during War of 1812, adds immeasurably to their value and history. NOTE: This musket can be restored but we do not recommend it. This pattern was the template for the American Military Model 1795 Flintlock Musket made at Harper's Ferry and Springfield armories.

Ref: See; “FLAYDERMAN'S GUIDE TO ANTIQUE AMERICAN FIREARMS...and their values.” 9th EDITION by Norm Flayderman. c. 2007, pp. 609-610; pp.728-729. Also see: “BATTLE WEAPONS of the American Revolution.” by George C. Neumann. c. 1998, pp. 92-95.