Mystery musket.

[Patrick Chadwick]

Found where the bayonet lug once was, it had been ground down some time ago, so I believe the barrel is the original length and not cut down

That's good, it's a bit more original than I postulated. But the bolster still does not look like an arsenal job.

---------- Post added at 04:04 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:03 PM ----------

You just have to look at it right!

Easy for you to say! We out here only have the photos!

[Anzac15]

I shall get some more pics up!

[Patrick Chadwick]

OK, try and get good pics of the mystery symbol, as that would possibly provide an identification of the source. If it was originally French, there ought to be a little medallion, marked MA (Manufacture d'Armes), about 1/2" diameter, set into the butt, near the back, on the RH side. Or a filled hole, of course.

The only French candidate I can find for the original would be the 1825 T Gendarmerie Mousqueton. But the lockplate would then be pointy at the rear, not rounded. Unfortunately I do not have sufficient info on Austrian models to make a hypothetical identification.

Of course, it could have been a flintlock model, converted by "John Doe".

[Anzac15]

Here's a pic of the better stamp on the musket. This is also on e buttplate, both barrel bands, and the left side wherthe two lock screws go in.

[gew8805]

Gew, what stands out as Austrian to you? It had an Austrian air to it, so that's why I initially thought it was. I'll do some measurements when I get a chance. Thanks!

The stock shape, the lock, the furniture (bands and triggerguard) and, in particular the percussion conversion are all Austro-Hungarian in form and not at all French.

[Patrick Chadwick]

But the bolster still does not look like an arsenal job.

The fine example of an 1822T pistol demonstrated by JMoore illustrates what I mean:

https://www.milsurps.com/showthread.php?t=29781

---------- Post added at 07:04 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:59 PM ----------

Here's a pic of the better stamp on the musket.

Turn it round 180 degrees, and it looks like an unevenly stamped embossed double-headed eagle (= Austrian)

[gew8805]

Yes Patrick, the one on the pistol is a French bolster of the same pattern and style that is in beautiful, unspoiled condition. The bolster on the musket in question is severely eroded by the mercuric primers of the day and was of a very different shape to begin with than that used by the French.

I still vote for Austrian, but I can't find an example of one in better condition to post, sorry.

[Coastie]

Thanks for ID.
Useful for sightings in this area and where ever I look.

By the By, you did drop a rod down the barrel to ensure....
THAT IT IS NOT LOADED, didn't you?

[of course the experience "never happened to me", you understand]