Original Prussian Potsdam M1809 Flintlock Musket Sent to Africa with British Markings and Modified Stock

Original Item: One of a Kind. This is a very interesting Prussian / German .75 caliber, "Potsdam" Model 1809 smoothbore, single-shot musket, which looks to have led a VERY interesting life. The only markings on the musket are a faded British CROWN / GR and TOWER on the lock plate, but it definitely is not of British manufacture. The style of lock plate and fittings are undeniably from a Potsdam musket, down to the facets that appear near the breech end. The finials of the trigger guard and the toe of the butt plate terminate in distinct three-pointed ends, correct for this model. The stock is mostly correct, however it only has one barrel band held in place by a screw, not the usual band spring, and there is also only one of them. However the stock definitely looks to be European manufacture, with the correct color and style of manufacture. The barrel measures 40 inches in length, which is a bit short, with an overall length of 57 inches.

The musket overall has a lovely patina of age, and whatever modifications were made to it definitely happened quite some time ago. We believe that this was one of many cast off obsolete weapons from Europe which ended up in colonial service, in this case sent to Africa, where it was given British markings, though we do not know if these were from actual British issue, or whether they were just added to increase the value of the musket. As it stands it definitely looks the business, with a lovely aged patina overall, and the lock fully functional, holding at half cock and firing at full.

A very interesting "Potsdam" Musket, ready for further research and restoration!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1820 - modified later
Caliber: .75"
Ammunition Type:  Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 40 inches
Overall Length: 57 inches
Action: Side Action Percussion Lock
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

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