3254 RARE & "AS FOUND" PUBLISHED JACOB DICKERT

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This item SOLD at 2023 Nov 05 @ 14:55UTC-4 : AST/EDT
Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 2,500.00 USD
Estimated at 5,000.00 - 7,000.00 USD
ATTRIBUTED US SURCHARGED 1794 CONTRACT MUSKET & BAYONET. Patterned after the 1766 Charleville musket, 59" overall, 44.5" barrel with eaglehead/"P" cartouche stamped on left breech, small "x" over "V" federal proof on stock. According to published texts, about 6000 muskets were made by mostly Pennsylvania contractors and delivered to Schuylkill Arsenal Under the 1794 contract 1795-1800. Peter Schmidt in his 2006 text "U.S. Military Flintlock Muskets" utilizes records unknown by previous students and authorities concerning contractors and deliveries of this first American contracted musket which was authorized due to heightened international tensions between the United States and France. Schmidt shows this exact musket on page 45 of this text attributing it to contractor Jacob Dickert. Regardless of the contractor, this is a rare and fine survivor in original "as found" complete and matching condition with well fit unmarked bayonet, 16.5" blade. This musket shows forging flaws on lock & buttplate reminiscent of long arms made in the Confederacy where another new nation was starting an industry out of necessity. These flaws would have never passed government inspection later as this example did, but were necessary to arm a young nation. Survival in original flint of an identifiable US 1794 contract musket is rare and this is a fine example that would be difficult to upgrade. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: copy of chapter from Peter Schmidt's text "U.S. Military Flintlock Muskets" where this musket is photographed and discussed. Copy of chapter on 1794 contract muskets from George Moller's "American Military Shoulder Arms". CONDITION: very good overall, appears complete and original, mottled gray patina, US surcharge and barrel proof are crisp, cartouche is also very good. Mechanically functional though mainspring is weak, smooth clear dark bore. Accompanying unmarked bayonet fits well with similar iron patina. (01-24129/JS) ANTIQUE. $5,000-7,000.