Kit Build Fusil De Chasse Flintlock Rifle .20 Ga./.62 Cal. ATF Antique Rare
SOLD FOR: $1,135
WOA#: WY240221JM001
Make: Unknown/Kit Build
Model: Fusil De Chasse
Serial Number: None
Year of Manufacture: Modern, ATF Antique
Caliber: .20 Gauge/.62 Caliber
Action Type: Single Shot Muzzle Loading Flintlock Rifle
Markings: This rifle is marked “TVLLE” on the lock plate with a crown over a fleur de lis. The barrel is marked with a crown over a fleur de lis. There is also a fleur de lis on the stock.
Barrel Length: 40”
Sights / Optics: None
Stock Configuration & Condition: This rifle has a single piece French style full length wood stock with a straight grip, rounded comb, and flat steel buttplate. There are ramrod rings down the length of the stock and several cross pins. The stock has some finish wear on the grip from use and some minor hairline scratches and small pressure dents. There is a small scuff by the muzzle. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Stainless Steel
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is defined. There is light rust in the bore with stubborn fouling throughout. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 8/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99% of its metal finish. There are some very minor scratches on the barrel. The ramrod is in good condition. The lockplate and striker are moderately worn from use and there are some drag lines. The screw heads show very little use. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Comes with a protective leather bag.
Our Assessment: The Fusil de Chasse, a flintlock rifle widely used in 18th and early 19th-century Europe, was a quintessential hunting firearm of its time. Known for its distinctive flintlock ignition system, this rifle employed a piece of flint to create a spark, igniting the priming powder and propelling the projectile from its long, smoothbore barrel. Crafted with care by skilled gunsmiths, the Fusil de Chasse featured a wooden stock carved from hardwood, often adorned with ornate engravings and decorative inlays that showcased the craftsmanship of its makers. Primarily intended for hunting, the Fusil de Chasse excelled in accuracy at moderate ranges, making it an ideal choice for hunters pursuing game such as deer, boar, and small game birds. Its reliability in the field, coupled with its versatility, also made it suitable for self-defense and military applications. However, the flintlock mechanism required careful maintenance to ensure proper function, as it could be prone to moisture and fouling, particularly in adverse weather conditions. The Fusil de Chasse played a pivotal role in European colonial expansion and frontier settlement, particularly in North America. French settlers and fur traders relied heavily on these rifles for hunting, trade, and defense in the vast wilderness of the New World. Additionally, the Fusil de Chasse saw military use in various conflicts, including the French and Indian War and the American Revolution, further cementing its significance in firearms history. -R.E.
