Page 50 - Auction84-Book2
P. 50

   LOT 1076
Extremely Rare French Saint Etienne Model 1717 Flintlock Infantry Musket with Bayonet - NSN, 69
cal., 47 inch round bbl., bright/blue finish, walnut stock. This is a very seldom seen and extremely desirable example of a
French Saint Etienne Model 1717 flintlock infantry musket still in its original configuration. The Model 1717 is historically significant as France’s first regulation shoulder arm, and
approximately 48,000 were manufactured in total by Saint Etienne, Charleville, and Maubeuge between 1717-1728; with very few surviving examples today, mostly residing in museum collections.
Most of these muskets were issued to France’s regular troops in Europe and saw hard use in the Seven Years’/French and Indian War era, although it is of interesting note that Benjamin Franklin is said to have
purchased a number of these French Model 1717 muskets during the Revolutionary War, and archaeological evidence from the Battle of Guilford Courthouse indicates use by American troops. French Model 1717
infantry muskets are described on pages 306-309 of George D. Moller’s book “American Military Shoulder Arms Volume I” in which the picture caption second from the bottom on page 307 states, “The salient feature
that distinguishes the locks of 1717 model-series of arms is the curved bridle that extends upwards from the frizzen spring screw to support the head of the frizzen screw.” Features an early wooden ramrod, bayonet stud
on top of the barrel towards the muzzle, sling rings mounted on the left of the iron rear 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. Faint remnants of the Saint Etienne Arsenal marking above a partial marking that appears to read “P MELETE” at the center of the early lock, and faint stock maker markings behind rear of the trigger guard tang. Small “GDM” (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes a reproduction socket bayonet and reproduction leather sling. For more information on these muskets reference the books “The History of Weapons of the American Revolution” and “Battle Weapons of the American Revolution” by George C. Neumann, “Muskets of the Revolution” by Bill Ahearn, and “Arms and Armor in Colonial America 1526-1783” by Harold L. Peterson in which the book states in a picture caption at the top of page 166, “Muskets of this model conforming exactly to specifications are almost impossible to find.”
CONDITION: Good, exhibiting smooth brown patina with traces of artificially enhanced finish, scattered light pitting, and moderate flash pitting at the breech and lock. Stock is also good as lightly sanded and re-oiled with scattered scratches and handling marks, some chips ahead of the side plate, a few cracks at the rear of the side plate, a repaired chipped section ahead of the top of the lock, a crack ahead of the lock, a large pressure dent above the lock, a few chips on the right of the buttstock, and an attractive figure overall. Mechanically fine. A French Model 1717 infantry musket is considered by many collectors to be the creme de la creme of early martial longarms. This spectacular example, right out of George Moller’s prominent collection, remains in its original configuration and would make for a prized centerpiece to any advanced early martial or Pre-Revolutionary War era collection! Provenance: The George Moller Collection.
Estimate: 9,500 - 14,000
LOT 1077
Extremely Rare Documented French Saint Etienne Model 1717 Flintlock Rampart Musket - NSN, 71 cal., 47 inch round bbl., bright finish, walnut stock. This
is a very seldom seen example of a French Saint Etienne Model 1717 flintlock rampart musket. Approximately 40,000 of these muskets were manufactured in total between 1717-1725, with very few surviving examples today. French Model 1717 rampart muskets are described on pages 309-311 of George D. Moller’s book “American Military Shoulder Arms Volume I” with this exact musket pictured on pages 309 and 310. Page 309 states, “The Model 1717 rampart musket is visually similar to the infantry musket [reference previous lot], except that rampart muskets were stocked to the muzzle. The salient differences are in the very slightly larger caliber, the larger barrel diameter, and the heavier stock dimensions. The example described here was fabricated at Saint Etienne. It conforms to the configuration
of the regulation Model 1717 rampart musket, except that it is brass-mounted. Its markings suggest manufacture at the Royal Armory for commercial sale, possibly to the navy or the French India Company (Compagnie Des Indes).” Features an early wooden ramrod, blade front sight, brass S shaped side plate, brass trigger guard with two long teardrop finials, and a brass buttplate with a long “wasp-waisted” tang. “S/(fleur-de-lis)/E” Saint Etienne marking above “P. GIRARD” (contractor for
the Royal Manufactory) marked at the center of the early lock, “I•DAVID” marked on the underside of the lock, and “IPEVI” ahead of two illegible cartouches and “IP” marked on the top left flat at the breech. Small “GDM” (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock.
CONDITION: Good, exhibiting smooth brown patina, scattered light pitting, and moderate flash pitting at the breech and lock. Stock is also good as lightly sanded and re-oiled with numerous scattered scratches and handling marks, chips around the barrel retaining pins, a minor absent area at the top front of the lock, a few cracks ahead of the rear lock screw, a crack behind the side plate, a filled in hole behind the side plate where a sling swivel may have resided, repaired sections on either side of the barrel tang, chips on either side of the buttplate tang, two pin sized holes and an outline where an oval plaque may have resided on the right rear of the buttstock, and an attractive figure overall. Mechanically fine. Early French muskets such as this one are very rarely seen in any condition today. This spectacular example of a French Model 1717 rampart musket, right out of George Moller’s prominent collection, would make for a prized addition to any advanced early martial Pre-Revolutionary War era collection!
Provenance: The George Moller Collection.
Estimate: 9,500 - 16,000
  or
AS PICTURED AND DESCRIBED IN THE BOOK AMERICAN MILITARY SHOULDER ARMS VOL I.
 BY MOLLER
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