George Moller noted this musket as an American-made musket with a Prussian lock, circa 1778-1783. Similar examples are shown in the "American-Assembled Muskets" section of his book "American Military Shoulder Arms, Volume I: Colonial and Revolutionary War Arms." His "GDM" collection mark is discreetly stamped at the toe. This musket is an interesting mix of parts. The barrel and furniture are from a French musket, but the lock appears to be from a Prussian Model 1740 musket. These parts were assembled and stocked in the U.S. and likely used during the American Revolution. The lock has a "US" surcharge mark in the grooves at the tail, and the barrel has "US" on top, "65" on the upper left, and a light "63" marking on the upper tang (Mle 1763 or M1763). An unclear but fairly deep marking is situated above the vent and may be a condemnation mark. The barrel has a bayonet lug on top, and a rounded brass blade front sight is fitted on the rear of the upper barrel band. A modern brown leather sling is fitted to the sling swivels on the mid barrel band and front of the trigger guard, and an iron trumpet head ramrod is fitted under the barrel. The included socket bayonet is over-sized. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Fair with mottled gray and dark brown patina, mild pitting at the breech, and general mild overall wear. The undersized refinished replacement stock is good with some scrapes and dings, minor cracks, and slivers absent. Mechanically fine.