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2021-60, Musket
Dutch Infantry Musket Owned by South Carolina
2021-60, Musket

Dutch Infantry Musket Owned by South Carolina

Dateca. 1720-1740
Maker Godefroi Corbau, Jr. (working c.1717-50)
OriginEurope, Netherlands, Maastricht
MediumWalnut, iron, and steel
DimensionsOverall: 61 1/4" Lockplate: 6 3/8" Barrel: 45 15/16" x .75 cal.
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number2021-60
DescriptionDutch musket of conventional form with wrought iron mounts, a beveled flat-faced lock, and a round barrel with a bottom-set bayonet lug. Four sheet iron pipes hold a steel rammer, and a sheet iron nosebad secures the end of the stock.
Label TextIn the third quarter of the 18th century, non-British muskets were commonly seen in the hands of American colonial soldiers. Most came from England, who sometimes turned to the Low Countries to fulfill any demand domestic makers couldn’t. Referred to as “Dutch,” these diverse patterns of arms came from many different provinces, cities, and principalities, largely within the borders of modern-day Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany.

Huge quantities of old and worn Dutch muskets and bayonets entered the British Ordnance system in 1706, 1715, 1740-41, and again in the 1750s. All were considered inferior to the Brown Bess, though perfectly suited for colonial use. Consequently, more than 10,000 stands of Dutch arms were sent to America during the French & Indian War. Many also came to the colonies from other legitimate sources, while others were smuggled in. The majority were used and at least a decade old.

Made between 1717 and 1750, this fine example is stamped "So. CAROLINA" on the barrel and is one of a small handful of such muskets known with this ownership marking. Though the earliest appearance of Dutch arms in the records of the province was in a December 1731 inventory which recorded 300 "Dutch Musquets with Bayonets," this example likely became South Carolina property closer to the end of the century.
Markings"CORBAV.LE.IEVNE" is engraved on the lower bevel of the lockplate below the steel spring, and a raised "I L" within a sunken cartouch is stamped into the inside. Its barrel is deeply struck with "F:119." and "So. CAROLINA." The tail of the entry pipe is engraved "No.6" and the tang of the buttplate is engraved "I . M."
ProvenanceFrom the collection of George D. Moller