French & Indian / American Revolutionary War Period
The octagonal-to-round, band fastened, .74 caliber, 32.5-inch barrel displays numerous French Arsenal inspector markings on the breech top; barrel is additionally marked with a “CARRIER, and “MARTINER” marking, and with a Crown/JI. [“CARRIER” & “MARTINER” are identified as specific markings on a 1728-type musket, often accompanied by a “Crown/JI” stamp. They likely represent specific inspectors, controllers, or perhaps armory markings rather than the manufacturer’s name although in this case, Jean Carrier may have made the lock.]
This regulation Model 1728, fully stocked in walnut features a pronounced comb and a distinctive Roman-nose buttstock; stock displays good color and sharp contours, light handling marks, and a Crown “S.E.” (St. Etienne) Arsenal mark on the right side of the buttstock. The gun is mounted with a Model 1728 lock with its original flat gooseneck hammer: faceted bridled powder-pan, curled tail frizzen, and teardrop finial frizzen spring. The face of the lock displays a clear Crown / “S. E.” (St. Etienne) Arsenal marking and stamped on the barrel forward of the hammer is a “CARRIER” maker’s mark: Jean Carrier (1709-1786) of St Etienne, France who was a member of the Carrier family gun making dynasty, and was a gunmaker to the King, in 1735 [see Heer Der Neue Stockel, Journal Verlag, volume 1, pp. 191-192]. Full iron mounts of regulation Model 1728 design: the buttplate with a long pin-fastened tang, the trigger guard with long teardrop finials and no provision for sling-finial. Three friction-fit barrel bands, and a flat “S” shape sideplate marked with an “S” inspector’s mark. The action is mechanically fine, mainspring is strong. The ramrod appears to be original.
Item Date: Circa 1730
Measurement: .74-Caliber. Overall length: 48"; barrel length: 32.5"
Item Condition: Original flintlock condition; There is an old, trivial nailed repair, at the bottom edge of the lock-mortice. There are scattered minor repairs to the stock between the triggerguard and tail end of lockplate. The barrel, lock, and furniture show a smooth steel gray surface and sharp markings. Stock displays 90+ percent good original color with rich patina. Overall condition of this very scarce seldom seen rarity is very good.
Price: $5,450
SKU 728-177
For More Information, Please Contact David Hillier at 978-597-8084 or email drh@aaawt.com.
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