Model 1763 French Infantry Musket

1763–1766

Place madeFrance, Europe

Wood, iron, brass

Overall: 60 7/8 in. ( 154.6 cm )
Part (barrel): 44 1/2 in. (113 cm)

Gift of Herbert Jackson Sprague

1921.22

Beginning in 1776, French infantry muskets were imported into the colonies under contract to Congress and state committees. By the end of the war, the models 1763 and 1766 muskets had replaced the British Brown Bess as the standard American infantry arm, and provided models for the first official muskets produced after independence. This musket was used during the war by Charles W. Thomas of Marshfield, Massachusetts, and was converted to percussion by a contractor during the early 1850's.

DescriptionWood, iron, and brass percussion musket; French-style alteration to percussion system; iron furniture; wooden ramrod with brass cap; stamped marks at center of lockplate; incised letters on left side of buttstock; engraved letter on sideplate.

MarkingsStamped on lockplate: "RNR" (?), also two fleurs-de-lis stamped in center, above letters; incised on buttstock: "C.T." [Charles Thomas?]; engraved on sideplate: "A...." (upside down)

ClassificationsMILITARY TOOLS & EQUIPMENT: FIREARM