French muskets such as this example were used by the Patriots during the American Revolutionary War thanks to support from France which ultimately allowed the Americans to emerge victorious. This desirable Charleville Model 1774 musket features a large branded "UNITED'STATES" marking on the right of the buttstock, "US" on top of the barrel at the breech (faint) and "US" on the tail of the lock. George Washington implemented a resolution by the Continental Congress to mark all of the "Charleville" muskets, such as this one, in use by his Continental Army as United States property. French muskets remained in use well-into the 19th century and were the basis for the early U.S. martial musket models. This Model 1774 musket has a forward projecting lip at the bottom of the middle barrel band, similar to the Model 1763, to facilitate returning of the ramrod, a bayonet stud on top near the muzzle, a brass blade front sight on the rear strap of the upper barrel band, a "star/D" inspection mark and "Charleville" on the center of the lock with rounded edges and an iron flash pan, "DL 73" on top of the breech, and some illegible letters on the sideplate. Upside down handwritten carved initials "AMB" on the left of the buttstock. Absent sling swivels.

Very good with attractive age darkened brown patina visible on the iron surface, mild pitting at the breech, general overall wear from period use, and mostly clear markings. The stock is also very good as lightly refinished, with general scratches, a few small chips at some of the edges, a small cracked section at the front of the lock, four small holes where a plaque likely resided on the right of the buttstock surrounding the surcharge mark, and nice overall figure. Mechanically fine. This desirable "UNITED STATES" and "US" surcharged Revolutionary War Charleville musket is about as fresh and honest as they come, with attractive untouched age darkened patina on the iron. This would make an exceptional addition to any U.S. martial or Revolutionary War firearms collection!