Lot 1087: Seven Years' War Era French Saint Etienne 1746/54 Musket

This is an early example of a French Saint Etienne musket originally manufactured as a Model 1746 and was subsequently arsenal updated to the Model 1754 configuration during the Seven Years' War era (1756-1763). Model 1746 and Model 1754 infantry muskets are described on pages 323-330 of George D. Moller's book "American Military Shoulder Arms Volume I" in which salient features of each are noted. This example has sling swivels relocated to the underside of the middle band and ahead of the trigger guard in the Model 1754 configuration, whereas the Model 1746 before it that had left side mounted sling swivels. It is fitted with its original Model 1746 lock and does not have an external bridle to the support the head of the frizzen screw unlike the Model 1754 locks. It has an iron ramrod and bayonet stud on top of the barrel towards the muzzle. "crown/S•E/B" Saint Etienne marked above "CARRIER/MONTIER" at the center of the lock, and "TEUENON" marked on the inside of the lock. Small "GDM" (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes a reproduction leather sling. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Good with scattered light pitting and wear on the metal surfaces. Stock is also good as sanded and re-oiled with scattered light scratches and dents, some mild chips on either end of the lock, a hole below the side plate, a deep scratch to the right of the barrel tang running to behind the lock, and a mild chipped area at the toe. Mechanically fine. Early French muskets such as this one are very rarely seen in any condition today. This fantastic example of an early French musket would make an excellent addition to any advanced early martial or Pre-Revolutionary War era collection!