Images(10)

Infantry Musket

Dateca.1778-1781

Maker Rappahannock Forge

Made under direction of James Hunter

OriginAmerica, Virginia, Falmouth

MediumWalnut, iron, steel and brass

DimensionsOverall length; 57 1/2"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1982-231

DescriptionAmerican imitation of the contemporary British Short Land Pattern musket, deviating only in the lockplate and cock, which are of flat section. Stocked in walnut, its round barrel is set to accommodate a top-mounted socket bayonet, and all the mounts are of cast brass. Both sling swivels are missing.
Label TextThe very few Rappahannock Forge muskets that survive represent the pinnacle of American industrial production during the Revolutionary War. Protected from British raids by geography, the complex built by James Hunter outside of Fredericksburg, Virginia had just about everything needed to mass produce the weapons needed by the Patriot cause. Turning to the common arms of his enemy, a standard British "Brown Bess" served as the prototype for the Rappahannock Forge muskets, which are amongst the first ever to have been completely "made in America."
MarkingsThe lockplate, engraved RAPA FORGE on the tail, is marked with a struck "B" and "FK" on the inside. "No 576," in two lines, is engraved on the buttplate tang. Long ago effaced, remains of a deeply struck or branded mark are on the right side of the buttstock's comb. Other stock markings include a "K" struck near the lower finial of the triggerguard and a large ownership inscription containing a large "B" appears on the left side of the buttstock.
ProvenanceEx colls.; Art O'Neill, William Guthman

Exhibition(s)