Saarn German Military 72 Cal Single-Shot Percussion Musket MFD 1814 Antique
SOLD FOR: $2125
LSB#: 211117TS05
Make: Saarn
Model: Military Percussion Musket
Serial Number: 5601
Year of Manufacture: 1814
Caliber: .70 per the barrel marking, but the bore measures roughly .72.
Action Type: Single-Shot Conversion Percussion Musket
Markings: The left side barrel flat is marked with a German crown proof over “U” and “5601”. The upper left side barrel flat is marked with a German proof and “14”. The upper barrel flat is marked with a crown over an alignment mark. The top of the barrel is marked “070” and with an incomplete crown. The right side flat of the barrel is marked “1856”. The lock plate is marked “Saarn” in cursive script under a crown. The left side plate is marked “5” and with a crown over “S” proof. “1849” straddles the area of the upper left flat where the barrel meets the receiver. The upper left flat of the receiver is marked with a crown over “V” and “W” proofs. The upper flat of the receiver is marked “FW” in a cursive script just below an alignment mark. The upper tang is marked “W” in cursive script. The lower tang forward of the guard is marked with a crown over “S” proof. The top of the buttplate is marked “G” over “L.R.12.2.23”. The lower rear of the plate is marked again with “1849”. The stock is marked in several places with proof marks and inspection stamps.
Barrel Length: 40”, with the last two inches being octagonal.
Sights/Optics: The front sight is rounded blade integral to the forward brass mounting. The rear sight is a v-notch/peep sight combination that is fixed to the barrel. The base features a hinged range-finding v-notch slider.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The stock is a one-piece smooth wood with straight grip, straight comb with cheek-piece, and sheet steel buttplate. There are three brass barrel bands. There is a channel in the stock for the included ramrod. There are sling swivels on the guard and center barrel band. The stock has scattered light-to-moderate nicks and compressions along with darker, older marks throughout the rifle that have been oiled over. The buttstock has a few more notable drag lines on either side. What appears to be a crack at the top of the grip is actually a deep nick. The LOP measures 13 1/2” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has light surface oxidation throughout along with moderate nicks that dot the outer edge. Overall, the stock rates in Good condition, as antique.
Type of Finish: Bright
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is rather dark with moderate erosion throughout.
Overall Condition: This musket was finished entirely bright. A dark patina can be seen throughout the barrel, and at the muzzle there are spots of moderate surface oxidation. The barrel bands have light nicks and dings throughout. The barrel has scattered light nicks and scuffs along its length. The lock plate and hammer have light surface oxidation throughout. Sling swivels have gone to a light patina. The screw heads are lightly tool marked with usable slots. Markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Good condition, as antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The hammer has a three-quarter-cock safety position. We have not fired this musket. As with all used firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: Saarn was one of several German arms makers that produced military arms for the country. This percussion rifle appears to be converted from a Flintlock that went on to see two additional modifications in 1849 and 1856, given the various date stamps. While we can not confirm it, given that this musket is in the US, it is entirely possible this saw use on the Confederate side of the Civil War, as many arms of this type did. This example is in Good condition, with wear firmly in line with a 207 year old specimen. Conversion muskets are always interesting when one considers how rapidly firearms technology was progressing in an era when history was so volatile. This piece comes from a time of great upheaval and change. Musket enthusiasts will want to add this one to their collection. Good luck and happy bidding!