Model 1774 Infantry Musket

Dateca.1774-1777

Maker Royal Manufactory at Charleville

MediumIron, steel and walnut

DimensionsLength; 59 1/2"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1984-255

DescriptionStandard Model 1774 musket: walnut stock; cylindrical barrel fastened to upper part of stock by 3 iron bands; all bands held in place by springs set to rear of bands; iron rammer with button head set into channel at bottom of stock and held in place by bands; sling swivels attached to bottom of center band and immediately to front of trigger guard; rouned iron and steel lock with rounded pan; iron, slightly S-shaped sideplate on opposite side of lock; iron butt plate with short tang.Label TextAfter 1770, French muskets began to assume a form used by many nations until well into the 19th century. With a rounded lockplate this pattern resembles the cutting-edge Model 1777, believed to have been carried by the French regular soldiers fighting here late in the Revolution. However, this musket bears a deep UNITED STATES brand, showing that it belonged to the Continental Army.Inscription(s)"Charleville" is engraved on the lockplate forward of the cock.Mark(s)UNITED STATES is branded into the lock side of the buttstock.