2610

DELAWARE STATE CONTRACT 1808 MUSKET/BAYONET.

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:1,500.00 USD Estimated At:3,000.00 - 4,000.00 USD
DELAWARE STATE CONTRACT 1808 MUSKET/BAYONET.
NSN. .69 cal x 44-1/4" long bbl marked "V" over eagle head over "CT" in a sunken oval at left breech. Bayonet lug set back 1-1/4" from muzzle underneath bbl. Lock is marked spread winged eagle over "US" beneath pan with "J. HENRY" over "PHILa" reading vertically in two lines behind cock. American black walnut stock is normal in all respects and stamped "DELAWARE" on right side of buttstock and stamped "WESTPHAL" in wood opposite lock. Accompanying this gun is the very rare bayonet marked "XX" on blade and has been the subject of a very well researched series of articles in the Society of American Bayonet Collectors (SABC) by J. R. Marsden and Fred Gaede proving these bayonets were part of the State of Delaware contract. PROVENANCE: See American Military Shoulder Arms, Volume 2, by Moller, pp. 212-213. Collection of Dr. Douglas Sirkin. CONDITION: Bbl and all metal work are in fine condition with slight age staining as is the lock and the balance of the furniture. Broken retaining pin on front band spring. Stock is in fine condition also showing its age having never been cleaned with only one small 1" chip in ramrod channel, barely noticeable. Missing its ramrod. Bayonet condition matches condition of metal showing only its age patina. This is a fine, untouched musket with its original matching bayonet from a very rare contract (only 550 believed delivered). 4-49747 PAS2