Thomas French, Blake and Adam Kinsley were awarded a U.S. government contract for 4,000 muskets on October 20th, 1808; all of which are believed to have been delivered between 1810-1814. This exact musket is pictured twice and described on page 172 of George D. Moller's book "American Military Shoulder Arms Volume II" in which the second picture caption states, "The stock's left breech flat of this French, Blake & Kinsley 1808 U.S. contract musket is stamped with U.S. Inspector Charles Williams's acceptance cartouche of 'V' over 'CW.' The barrel is stamped with the 'US' federal ownership mark and with the proof mark of a raised eagle's head over 'CT' in a sunken oval and with a 'V,' believed to mean 'viewed,' or visually inspected. The federal government subsequently issued this musket to Massachusetts under the provisions of the 1808 U.S. Militia Act, where the barrel is stamped 'to MS.' 'MS' was also stamped into the stock's left breech flat, below the federal acceptance cartouche." The lock is marked with an "eagle/US" above "T. FRENCH" at the center and "CANTON/1813" at the tail. The left breech end of the barrel is marked "US to MS". Massachusetts armorer applied serial number "4370" marked on top of the barrel in the opening between the two straps of the front barrel band. "F. BLAKE" marked on top of the stock ahead of the buttplate. "GDM" (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes a reproduction leather sling. Provenance: The George Moller Collection