.54 Caliber 41? Flintlock Rifle Muzzleloader Musket Contemporary w/ Ramrod
SOLD FOR: $1032
WOA#: WY23073DT001
Make: Unmarked
Model: Flintlock Rifle
Year of Manufacture: Contemporary
Caliber: .54 Caliber
Action Type: Flintlock Muzzle-Loaded Musket
Markings: Unmarked
Barrel Length: 41” round
Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a blade fixed to the barrel. There is no rear sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The stock is custom one-piece wood featuring a provision in the forend for the included ramrod with a stainless steel fitting, a lock-plate secured by five pins, a straight wrist, and a custom shaped rounded buttstock. There are some light storage marks on the rifle. The LOP is about 14” from the front of the trigger to the rear of the buttstock. Overall, the stock is in Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Stainless
Finish Originality: Original to build
Bore Condition: The bore shows no pitting or erosion. It is semi bright and shows little to no sign of corrosion except for at the muzzle. The rifling is sharp. The bore needs to be cleaned and is sure to be bright once cleaned.
Overall Condition: The musket has no metal finish. The gun was finished in the white. The locking assembly functions correctly with strong components. There is some corrosion on the barrel. Overall, the contemporary flintlock rifle is in Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action works normally. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box Paperwork and Accessories: There is a ramrod installed into the forend.
Our Assessment: The Flintlock Rifle is a type of firearm that gained prominence in the 17th and 18th centuries. It represents a significant advancement in firearms technology compared to its predecessors. The flintlock mechanism replaced earlier ignition systems like the matchlock and wheel lock, offering greater reliability, ease of use, and improved safety.
The development of the flintlock mechanism is credited to a Frenchman named Marin le Bourgeoys in the early 17th century. The flintlock system uses a flint to strike against a steel frizzen, creating sparks that ignite the gunpowder in the pan. This, in turn, ignites the main charge in the barrel, propelling the projectile forward.
Flintlock rifles became widely used during the 18th century and played a significant role in various conflicts, including the American Revolutionary War and the Napoleonic Wars. They were known for their accuracy and range, making them popular among hunters, military forces, and civilians alike.
However, as technology progressed, flintlock rifles eventually gave way to more advanced ignition systems such as the percussion cap and later the self-contained cartridge. These innovations offered faster and more reliable ignition, marking the end of the flintlock era.
Today, flintlock rifles hold historical and cultural significance. They are valued for their craftsmanship and are often sought after by collectors, historical reenactors, and enthusiasts interested in experiencing the weapons of the past.