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Scarce 1797 State of Pennsylvania Contract Flintlock Musket

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:600.00 USD Estimated At:1,600.00 - 2,500.00 USD
Scarce 1797 State of Pennsylvania Contract Flintlock Musket
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Styled directly after the French Model 1763 Charleville pattern, this is one of 20,000 muskets made by approximately 18 makers for Pennsylvania state militia issue, authorized by the Legislative Act of 1797. This particular Musket is one of the 4,000, (two contracts of 2,000 each, 1798 and 1801), made by John Miles of North Liberties, Philadelphia. The lock behind the hammer is marked "MILES / CP", the "CP" denoting ownership by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The left rear of the barrel is marked with a partial, unrecognizable marking. This Musket is probably from the first contract in 1798, since the eagle head, P and V proof marks were not adopted for usage by the National Armories until 1799. The musket does not bear any other visible markings. All fittings are iron including the ramrod which has a trumpet style head. There is a fixed iron front sight and a groove in the top of the barrel tang which serves as the rear sight. There is a sling swivel mounted on the front of the trigger guard and middle barrel band. The right side of the stock is crudely period carved "IB", and the left "AK".
BBL: 44 1/2 inch round
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 72
Finish: brown
Grips:
Serial Number: NSN
Condition: Good. The metal surfaces have a mottled brow and gray patina with some minor pitting along the edge of the stock on the barrel, on the lock and hardware, a little heavier on the buttplate and two forward barrel band springs and heavy on the two front bands. The ramrod is an incorrect replacement. There is some minor oxidation on the trigger guard. The stock is good with a few small fill repairs, and overall some scattered minor dents and dings. The flats remain sharp. The action needs work, the hammer only holds the half cock position. The lock markings are clear.