(A) ONLY KNOWN EXTANT FRENCH MODEL 1754 MARINE

Perhaps the only one still in existence as there are no other known examples of this scarce model made for French naval shipboard use with all brass furniture, manufactured during the French & Indian/Seven Years War. This includes in all complete French reference books, which contain references, but no images nor listings of yet existing examples of this model. One feature that solidifies manufacture for shipboard use is the brass trigger guard which was never drilled for a sling swivel. The 46 - 5/8” .77 caliber smoothbore barrel has the typical 1754 7-1/2" faceted breech section and tapered top flat extending to the muzzle band. There is an iron bayonet lug mounted on top, towards the muzzle. The French Model 1754 lock appears to have faint St. Etienne and IF- crowned “c” inspectors stamps in the center. All of the furniture is brass, including the rounded buttplate (same as Model 1754 Dragoon musket) and brass center band, and with the full length 46.5” barrel, distinguishes it from the Model 1754 Dragoon musket. The muzzle band has a triangular reinforced trumpeted opening for the ramrod also similar to that of the Model 1754 Dragoon musket, although the back of the band differs in shape. The center band is also spring-retained and identical to the iron 1754 Infantry musket's band with an integral sling swivel mount, except in this case, the center band is completely of brass. The rearmost band is pressure fitted and also of brass. The full-length walnut stock has the initials "IL" carved into the left side of the buttstock indicating colonial or early American use. Iron ramrod is a modern replacement. CONDITION: Barrel is heavily pitted and retains a dark heavy patina indicating naval use. Lock appears to be in its original flintlock configuration, although the frizzen screw and frizzen spring screws are likely more recent or perhaps earlier period replacements. Lock retains a mostly dark, heavy patina with scattered areas of pitting consistent with the barrel. A piece of brass had been laid in towards the back of the pan during its period of use. All brass retains a very dark brown-mustard patina and has not been polished, showing scattered marks from use. When the musket was found, it had an incorrect sideplate and lock retaining screw, which have been properly and professionally replaced, and otherwise, the musket is as found. Overall, this is an extremely rare and desirable French Naval Ship’s Musket, and is perhaps the last remaining example of the 1754 French naval model. DMG Barrel Length: 46 - 5/8" Caliber/Bore: .77 Smoothbore FFL Status: Antique Manufacturer: French Model: 1754 Marine Musket Serial Number: NSN