This is one of the rarer 18th century muskets and are particularly hard to find in the U.S. This model was replaced in 1774, and the Austrian arsenal in Vienna struggled to keep up with the needs of the Austrian army making the totals produced over seven years limited. One of the key characteristics of these muskets is the stud behind the cock and the corresponding shape of the rear of the cock itself that prevent over cocking and help stall the cock in the fired position. The musket has a small stud front sight that doubles as the bayonet lug. The barrel is secured by three barrel bands, and the front band has the distinctive integral large ramrod ferrule. A leather sling is fitted to the swivels on the middle band and trigger guard. George Moller's "GDM" collection mark is near the toe. Provenance: The George Moller Collection