DESCRIPTION: Beautiful French/Swiss M.1763 officer style flintlock musket. Caliber: 17.5 mm smoothbore. It was probably manufactured in France before the Napoleonic Wars. The musket is virtually identical to weapons used by the French army, except for the Swiss markings carved on the left side of the buttstock (please, see pictures). No other markings are present on the musket. The same pattern of musket was used by many European armies. Three barrel band configuration. All brass furniture. Half-round, half-octagonal barrel. Beautifully shaped counterplate and trigger guard (please, see pictures). Two sling swivels. Socket bayonet lug on the barrel, near the muzzle. Walnut stock. Complete with a ramrod. The musket was beautifully refurbished by one of the European arsenals, most likely by the Waffenfabrik Bern. CONDITION: Excellent. The flintlock mechanism functions perfectly, and will spark the frizzen and open it, as it should. Correct, polished steel finish on all the metal parts with some scattered light patina. The metal and stock were professionally cleaned long time ago, without affecting any markings. The stock shows some minor handling marks. The Swiss markings on the left side of the buttstock are very crisp. There is an old repair to the stock under the rear barrel band, and just in front of it - the cracks were glued and secured with small nails. Some patina and occasional pitting on the ramrod. Overall length: 56 inches. Barrel length: 41 inches. Very scarce and attractive French/Swiss M.1763 officer style flintlock musket! (Ref. "French Military Weapons 1717-1938", by James E. Hicks, pp. 15 and 37).
