French Fusil

French Fusil

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"

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

c. 1758-1763

George C. Neumann Collection, Valley Forge National Historical Park

VAFO 151

Photograph