According to "Der Neue Stockel," Jean Claude Niquet of Liege, Belgium, was active circa 1778-1803 and delivered 20,000 rifles and 12,000 fusilier sabers to the "Armee patriotique" (patriotic army, possibly Belgian). The lock plate of this rifle is signed "J C Niquet/a Liege" at the center. The inside of the lock is marked with a crown stamp. The octagon barrel features deep seven-groove rifling and is fitted with a dovetail mounted brass blade front sight and a fixed standing V notch rear sight with folding leaf. "4-B-2-C-J9" regimental mark on both the top of the muzzle end of the barrel and on the side of the brass tipped cleaning rod. The stock has carved tear drop flats. Brass fittings throughout including the curved trigger guard and an unmarked oval plate on top of the wrist. An "X" surrounded by two lines is carved into both sides of the buttstock and an "H" is carved into the bottom of the buttstock. Includes a brass handled bayonet and period leather sling. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Very good with bright surfaces on the barrel and lock, some scattered light pitting, and crisp markings in the metal. Brass retains an attractive golden aged patina. Stock is very good with scattered scratches and dents, a repaired thin sections on both sides of the barrel channel, some chips around the barrel retaining pins, and a crack ahead of the rear lock screw. Mechanically excellent. Included bayonet is very good with scattered patches of moderate pitting, a few chips on the edges of the blade, and attractive golden aged patina on the brass handle. Included sling is also very good with some light cracking.