Lot 1114: South Carolina Marked Dutch Flintlock Musket

This musket is pictured and discussed on pages 382-384 "American Military Shoulder Arms, Volume I: Colonial and Revolutionary War Arms" by George Moller and has his "GDM" collection mark discreetly stamped at the toe. He classified this musket as a Dutch Type I from c. 1741 and indicates these muskets were possibly purchased by the British and shipped to their American colonies in 1754 and 1756. The barrel has a bayonet stud on the bottom near the muzzle, a rounded blade front sight, and "F:119" and "So. CAROLINA." marked on the breech section. The lock is signed "CORBAVLE IEVNE" on the lower edge below the frizzen spring. Moller indicates he believed this was the marking of Godefroi Corbau the younger who was active in Maastricht c. 1717-1750. The inside has an "IL" marking. The furniture is all iron, and a black leather sling is fitted on the swivels mounted through the forend and front of the trigger guard bow. "IM" is inscribed on the long buttplate finial. Given this musket dates to before even the French & Indian War, may have been imported for use in that conflict, and was later owned by South Carolina for its militia's use, this musket likely saw considerable use in several conflicts, including the French & Indian War, American Revolution, and War of 1812. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Very good with dark gray and brown patina, distinct markings, vice marks by the breech, and moderate overall wear. The stock is good and has some chips and slivers absent and moderate scrapes and dings. Mechanically fine. This is a very rare pre-American Revolution Dutch musket with even scarcer South Carolina markings.