3548 1791 HENRY CONTRACT COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA

Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 1,000.00 USD
Estimated at 2,000.00 - 3,000.00 USD
FLINTLOCK MUSKET. Cal. .69 caliber. NSN. 59.5" overall. 44" round barrel with indiscernible sunken oval proof. According to author Milton Von Damm: "This is a military musket that was part of a Henry and Graeff contract for 2,000 flintlock muskets for the Pennsylvania militia. It has a forty inch barrel of .69 caliber with three bands to attach the barrel to the stock. The lock has an integrated pan and is marked HENRY behind the cock and CP in front of it. there has been major wood replaced in front of the back band. A sunken cartouche on the barrel has been filed, but probably was a Phrygian cap over a P that symbolized freedom. HISTORICAL IMPORTANCE: Both Abraham (Lancaster) and his brother William (Nazareth) had independent contracts in 1797. The muskets made by Abraham are much more rare. According to George Moller, Vol. 2, page 256, their marks were different and this musket conforms to Abraham's marks. The muskets made by Abraham were marked HENRY on the lock tail and Williams muskets were marked W. HENRY." CONDITION: good to very good overall. Forestock is stapled underneath band. Strong mechanics. Dirty, clear bore. PROVENANCE: Mike D'Ambra July, 1999; Lifelong Collection of author Milton Von Damm. (01-24792/JS). ANTIQUE. $2,000-3,000.