For Revolutionary War collectors the French Model 1766 (aka Light Model 1763) and Model 1771 muskets are highly sought after as they were used both by our French allies and by the Continental Army and American militia. The young United States also used many of these muskets in the early national period and through the War of 1812. The model designation on the barrel tang is not legible on this example, but the barrel is marked "71" at the breech (1771), and the bayonet lug on the underside of barrel is set approximately 1 7/8 inches back from the muzzle which fits within the Model 1771 pattern described by George D. Moller in "American Military Shoulder Arms, Vol. 1" on page 337. The lock is marked "Me de/Maubeuge" and has a "crown/C" inspection mark on the outside and "IR/R" on the inside. The side plate has a "crown/B" inspection mark, and "B" is also marked on the lower two barrel bands and on the lock tumbler. An "H" is marked on the rear of the upper barrel band, the rear trigger guard finial, and the heel of the buttplate. The buttstock has "BE" carved on the right side and an unclear stamping on the underside just ahead of the toe. Initials carved on the buttstocks are often attributed to American soldiers during the American Revolution.

Very good with gray and brown patina, mild pitting concentrated at the breech, and general mild overall wear. The revarnished stock is also very good and has some small cracks and flakes, mild scratches and dings, tape under the rear barrel band to tighten the fit, and mild overall wear. Mechanically fine.