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2021-208,A, Musket
Model 1728 Infantry Musket
2021-208,A, Musket

Model 1728 Infantry Musket

Dateca. 1728-1754
Maker Royal Manufactory at Maubeuge
OriginEurope, France, Maubeuge
MediumIron, steel, and walnut
DimensionsOverall: 62 3/16" Lockplate: 6 5/8" Barrel: 46" x .73 caliber
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number2021-208,A
DescriptionFrench Model 1728 Infantry Musket of conventional form with sleek walnut stock. It includes a flat bridled lock, iron furniture, a steel trumpet-headed rammer, and an octagon-to-round barrel held by two friction-fit lower bands and one spring-clipped upper band. A sighting flat runs most of the length of the barrel's top from the breech towards the bayonet lug. The original circular sling swivels are missing from the lugs on the sideplate flat and the middle barrel band.
Label TextInstantly recognizable, this revolutionary musket pattern was the first to have three barrel bands and marked France's departure from the heavier pin-fastened types of previous decades. The change allowed for the common solider's arm to be made lighter and easier to dismount for cleaning. So successful was its design that the infantry longarms of many nations were made with three barrel bands for more than a century.
MarkingsBarrel is struck with a "Fleur de lis" over an indistinct mark on the left flat of the breech. The lockplate is struck with the initials "A R" separated by a "Fleur de lis" and also has traces of another effaced marking. The initials "IM" are struck at the tip of the lockplate's tail.

Stock carries the American ownership markings of "I* I* M" and "J. J. WADE" deeply carved into the right side of the butt. The left side of the buttstock is struck with a "Crown" over "P.D.I." over "M.E.G" over a "Fleur de lis."
ProvenanceFrom the collection of George D. Moller