American Revolutionary War Period Musket

In very good untouched original flintlock condition. Octagonal to round, pin-fastened, 46”, smoothbore, .78 caliber, American -made? barrel with a bottom-mounted bayonet lug and an iron front sight: the top of the breech with an “N/35” American style Regimental/Unit marking. Finely carved and molded, New England form Roman-Nose Applewood? fullstock with simple raised carving around the lock and buttplate with a long stepped tang, American-made sheet-brass barrel-form ramrod pipes and a raised “Charlesville” type sideplate signed with an etched “W. Perkins” owner’s name. {Likely that of William Perkins of Mass. (who was) “Born in Boston in 1742, (and) was known best for his role in the Revolution. His military career is recorded by the Sons of the Revolution: William Perkins was Lieut. In Callender’s Co at battle of Bunker Hill, afterwards Captain of same Company.  He was Captain in Knox’s Regt. of Artillery, 1st January, 1776, in Crane’s Regt. Artillery, January, 1777; commissioned Major of same, September 12, 1778; was at Valley Forge 1777-78… (He) was member of the Massachusetts Society of Cincinnati.”} The trigger-guard  with a flat flared forward finial and no provision for a sling swivel. The signed, American –made lock of slightly crude English Longland style with rounded surfaces, a bridled powder-pan and a matching gooseneck hammer: the face with a worn “SHEPPARD” signature (appears to be an unrecorded 18th century gunsmith & should be further researched , as there are several later-period “Sheppard(s)” listed as gunsmiths, in the New England area). In overall very good+, untouched, “attic” original flintlock condition. The iron surfaces of the barrel with a smooth chocolate-brown age patina and the expected light scattered pitting at the tough hole. The lock with its original components, matching untouched surfaces and in mechanically functional order. Fine stock with 85% of its finish, sharp contours, some expected handling marks/signs of use and a hairline at the front edge of the lock mortise. Untouched brass furniture with a deep mustard, age patina. A very fine example of an untouched New England type, signed, Soldier Inscribed/Identified ? American Revolutionary War Period, Gunsmith Signed “COS” Musket, ca. 1770. A rare signed & owner-inscribed American Musket with a potentially rich and colorful history,, Complete with its iron ramrod. Overall length, 62”.

Copy and photos from Ambrose Antiques.