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   AS PICTURED AND DESCRIBED IN THE BOOK AMERICAN MILITARY SHOULDER ARMS, VOL. I BY MOLLER
      LOT 124
Rare and Desirable Documented French Maubeuge Model 1728 Flintlock Infantry Musket with Bayonet - NSN, 69 cal., 46 inch round bbl., bright finish, walnut stock.
This is a seldom seen and desirable example of a French Maubeuge Model 1728 flintlock infantry musket still in its original configuration. Approximately 375,000 Model 1728
muskets were manufactured in total by Saint Etienne, Charleville, and Maubeuge between 1727-1746. Most of these muskets were issued and carried by the majority of France’s regular troops during
the French and Indian Wars where they would see hard use, with most examples receiving various alterations throughout their service life including many being torn apart and rebuilt in various configurations
for use by the American Continental Army during the Revolutionary War; making surviving examples such as this one a rarity today. French Model 1728 infantry muskets are described on pages 312-315 of George
D. Moller’s book “American Military Shoulder Arms Volume I” with this exact musket pictured twice on page 313. The top picture caption on page 313 states, “The Model 1728 infantry musket was the first regulation French musket equipped with three barrel bands. Until 1741 muskets were equipped with wood ramrods. Muskets produced thereafter were equipped with steel ramrods, and the wood ramrods of most existing muskets were replaced.” The lower picture caption on page 313 states, “The configuration of the 1728 year-model-series lock reflects a return to the component styles used prior to 1717. The lock plate of this example is stamped ‘A,’ fleur-de-lis, ‘R’ over only faint traces of ‘M B E’ forward of the cock. This marking is attributed to the Royal Manufactory at Maubeuge.” Features an iron ramrod, bayonet stud on top of the barrel towards the muzzle, sling rings mounted on the left of the iron middle barrel band and left stock flat, iron trigger guard with two long teardrop finials, iron S shaped side plate, and an iron buttplate with a long “wasp-waisted” tang. “IM” marked at the tail of the lock. A faint fleur-de-lis stamp is visible on the top left flat at the breech. “IIM” with stars in between the letters above “J. J. WADE” carved into the right of the buttstock. Small “GDM” (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes a socket bayonet.
CONDITION: Good with smooth brown patina overall, some scattered light pitting, and moderate flash pitting. The buttplate has a large cracked/absent section at the bend and an absent half of the lower screw head. Stock is good as sanded and re-oiled with numerous scattered scratches, some scattered small chips, numerous cracked/absent sections on either side of the barrel channel, a mild chipped section and a crack ahead of the lock, a crack behind the lock, a crack ahead of the rear lock screw, some chips behind the barrel tang, a mild chip to the right of the buttplate tang, and carvings as mentioned above. Mechanically fine. Included bayonet is fair. Early French muskets such as this one are very rarely seen in any condition today. This spectacular example of a desirable French Model 1728 infantry musket, right out of George Moller’s prominent collection, would make for a prized addition to any advanced early martial or Pre-Revolutionary War era collection!
Provenance: The George Moller Collection.
Estimate: 8,500 - 13,000
LOT 125
Rare Documented French Saint Etienne 1716 Contract Grenadier Flintlock Musket - NSN, 69 cal., 46 7/8 inch round bbl., bright finish, walnut stock. This is a very early example
of a French Saint Etienne 1716 contract grenadier musket, which were reportedly procured by the French Navy Ministry from private gunmakers between circa 1716-1729. These 1716 contract grenadier muskets are described on pages 303-306 of George D. Moller’s book “American Military Shoulder Arms Volume I” with this exact musket pictured on three of the pages. Page 303 of the book states, “The configuration of the Saint Etienne musket described and illustrated here generally conforms to the Model 1716 grenadier musket manufactured at Tulle and is believed to be either a variation of that arm or possibly a musket made for sale to the navy or the French India Company. In addition to its length, the musket differs from those made at Tulle in that its brass mountings are of different configurations, it has a forend band, and the stock does not have raised plateaus at the breech.” It has an early wooden ramrod with an iron tip, front sight that doubles as a bayonet lug on top of the barrel, brass forend band and ramrod ferrules, a single iron barrel band, the remaining fittings are brass including the early S shaped side plate with decorative projections, and sling rings are located on the left of the barrel band and left flat of the stock. “LEJAY” above “A ST. ETIENNE” marked at the center of the early lock; according to Moller this marking is believed to have been added on the lock at a later date during an overhaul due to Lejay, a private contractor, being recorded as active around 1760. “G•CR” is marked on the underside of the lock. A deeply stamped proof mark consisting of a fleur-de-lis above initials (hard to read) on the top left flat of the breech. “P. CIZERON” is marked on the bottom of the stock behind the lower tang, the name of the inspector and supervisor of the Royal Manufactory at Saint Etienne between 1717-1740. A star and a large fleur-de-lis stamp marked on the left of the buttstock ahead of faint remnants of lightly carved initials. Small “GDM” (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes a reproduction leather sling. There is currently an obstruction inside the breech end of the barrel.
CONDITION: Very good, exhibiting smooth brown patina on the barrel, a mix of gray and brown patina on the lock, and scattered light to moderate pitting overall. Stock is good as lightly sanded and re-oiled with scattered scratches and dents, numerous chips/absent sections and cracks on either side of the forend, a chipped/absent section ahead of the lock, a crack running between the trigger guard finial and the front of the lock, a crack behind the lock, a chipped/absent section to the left of the barrel tang, and a crack at the left of the
buttplate. Mechanically excellent. 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!
Provenance: The George Moller Collection.
Estimate: 6,000 - 9,000
   AS PICTURED AND DESCRIBED IN THE BOOK AMERICAN MILITARY SHOULDER ARMS, VOL. I BY MOLLER
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