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Unusual Civil War-Era Belgian 3-Band Percussion Infantry Musket

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:425.00 USD
Unusual Civil War-Era Belgian 3-Band Percussion Infantry Musket
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Unusual Civil War-Era Belgian 3-Band Percussion Infantry Musket, Altered from Flintlock, #997, .69 cal., 35" tapered round barrel is marked "997" at breech with Belgian proofs incl. the black powder view mark, has "winged" blade front sight (likely also acts as a bayonet lug); flat lockplate is marked partially "Ame…" in semi-circle, has unusual mortised filler at top-rear, integral large octagonal breech piece/nipple bolster and large rounded rear "tang"; nickel-plated brass fittings include trigger guard with sling loop at front, curved buttplate, three clamping bands (middle with sling loop) retaining the slotted and grooved steel ramrod, serpentine sideplate with illegible marking, nosecap; fullstock of oil-finished walnut has raised panels at either side of lock. Mfg'd ca. 1820s, altered ca. 1860s. Condition is very good retaining approx.. 50% nickel overall, the balance of the steel being bright (difficult to ascertain, as colors match closely). Stock is sound and smooth with a dark varnish finish showing the expected light-to-moderate marks of age and military use, splintering both sides where ramrod enters stock. Perhaps this gun was mfg'd for American naval use during the Civil War, as indicated by its "AME" lock marking, nickel metal finish and dark stock varnish. Action is strong and smooth; smoothbore shows uniform moderate-to-heavy erosion. Est.: $800-$1,200. (Antique)