This impressive Colonial era musket features an early banana shaped doglock, in the style of British muskets from the 1690-1715 period, with a catch or dog at the rear in addition to a secure half-cock notch. Though doglocks were largely supplanted by "true" flintlocks by the late 17th century, a dog catch remained a more secure way to carry a loaded weapon than simply relying on a half-cock notch, and they remained in use into the first quarter of the 18th century. Signed "KING-WACH-BELL" on the top barrel flat. No provision for a bayonet lug on the musket length barrel. Fitted in an attractive American maple stock with downward swept curved buttstock in the Colonial style dating to around the time of the French & Indian War and Revolutionary War era. Iron fittings including the ramrod ferrules, trigger guard, early blacksmith made three-screw sideplate, and buttplate. Early trigger with curved toe. No visible markings on the outside of the lock, number "23" marked on the sear, and a "crown/D" and "H" on the bridle. Period hickory ramrod. A circular brass collection tag marked "G.G. WRIGHT/136" is hanging from the trigger guard.

Good with brown patina overall, scattered light to moderate pitting, and clear barrel signature. Stock is also good with a highly attractive figure overall, scattered cracks, chips, scratches, repaired and spliced sections ahead of the lock running down the right of the barrel channel. Mechanically fine. This attractive early Colonial era doglock musket would make an excellent addition to any early Colonial or Revolutionary War era firearms collection!