French Fusil

VAFO00000151_D_2.jpg
VAFO00000151.jpg
VAFO00000151_D_1.jpg
VAFO00000151_D_3.jpg

Title

French Fusil

Description

This French fusil includes a walnut stock which secures the iron barrel using three brass barrel bands. The stock is surcharged “U STATES” on the butt stock, signifying government ownership by the young United States. This practice was adopted by 1778 to identify government property and to deter soldiers from taking firearms home upon the termination of their military service. The bands are decorated with an engraved scrollwork design along the edges of the bands. The fusil's barrel is crudely stamped “1777” on the barrel tang. The brass furniture includes a trigger-guard plate, flat side plate, and French-style butt plate with short rounded tang. The fusil mounts a French 1754 model lock plate and flat goose-neck cock.

Caliber: .72
Weight: 8.3 lbs.
Length: 55"
Barrel: 39 1/2"

Source

Brown, M.L. Firearms in Colonial America: The Impact on History and Technology 1492-1792. Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Institution Press, 1980.

Date

c. 1758-1763

Rights

George C. Neumann Collection, Valley Forge National Historical Park

Identifier

VAFO 151

Original Format

Photograph