French muskets and musket parts were significant arms for the American Patriots during the American Revolution and remained in wide use into the early 19th century and served as the pattern for the early U.S. military muskets. This example appears to have been largely built from regulation French components but the barrel is unusual and a bayonet lug on top near the muzzle, a decorative "beaded" border at the breech end, and "DY76" (1776) and another fainter marking at the breech on the left. A brass blade front sight is fitted to the rear strap of the upper barrel band, and all three bands are secured with springs as used on the Model 1766. The lock plate features a French "fleur-de-lis/N" inspection mark and "Charleville." Sling swivels are mounted to the middle barrel band and front of the trigger guard. The musket has an iron ramrod with flared tip, and the buttstock has the carved initials "I.G.C." on the right, perhaps the initials of a Continental Army soldier issued the musket.

Very good plus with smooth brown patina overall, scratches, dings, scattered oxidation and pitting, replacement swivels (rear loosely fit) and top jaw and jaw screw, faint but legible "Charleville" marking on the lock, and moderate wear. The stock is good with scrapes, dings, cracks, small chips, and moderate wear. Mechanically fine.