Lot 1109: German-Dutch Wheellock Musket with Spanner

This musket is pictured and discussed on pages 41-42 of "American Military Shoulder Arms, Volume I: Colonial and Revolutionary War Arms" by George D. Moller where it is noted as "very similar to arms made in Aix-La-Chapelle in the 1650s and known to have been sold to other German and Swiss states. Aix-La-Chapelle, or Aachen in German, is located in western Germany, contiguous to the borders of Holland and Belgium. Germany near present-day borders of Holland and Belgium." Moller also notes that the only external mark with a "T" and an unclear stamp on the barrel at the breech, and an "HI" cartouche is marked on the underside of the barrel. "GDM" (George D. Moller) collection initials are marked three times at the toe of the stock. The smoothbore barrel has a blade front sight, dovetailed notch rear sight, long sighting rib that runs from breech to muzzle, side ribs running for 14 inches forward from the breech, and the noted markings above. The flat lock has a rounded teat at the tail and no markings. The lock screws have stag-horn washers. The iron trigger guard has a scooped out section below the trigger, and the trigger plate also incorporates a safety at the rear. The full-length stock appears to be beech with a dark finish and has later sheet brass ramrods pipes, forend cap, and buttplate; a thumb rest groove on the right, nine notches below on the wrist, and an attractive "perch-belly" profile. An iron spanner is included. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Fine with light gray patina and some speckled brown patina on the iron, minor pitting, age patina on the brass, and mild overall wear. The stock is good and has a coat of dark finish, several cracks and repairs, small chips absent, and general mild wear. Mechanically untested.