This is a very nice example of an original unaltered early 1800s French flintlock musket that was made at the French arsenal at St. Etienne. This pattern of musket is almost identical to the US Model 1816 musket. It features a 40 inch round barrel with an earlier military style lock, similar to the 1795 or 1807 locks with flat edges with the small teet on the rear of the lock, with the reinforced hammer and iron flash pan. The side of the lock plate is marked, "E. Chapon Saine/a St. Etiene". It has the standard full length walnut musket style stock with all iron mounted furniture with three wide barrel bands, with a blade front sight mounted on the front band. The underside of the barrel has a small stud for a bayonet. It has a higher comb similar to the 1812 pattern muskets and it is fitted with a pair of sling swivels, mounted on the front of the trigger guard and the middle barrel band. It is complete with steel ramrod with a trumpet shaped head.

Very good overall with the metal surfaces showing a mix of the original armory bright finish, having now turned to a nice pleasing brown finish. The edges of the metal around the lock, barrel bands and trigger guard etc. show the natural build up of oils and dirty over the last 100 years that everyone likes to see on an original flint lock rifle. The rear of the barrel around the flash hole shows no real wear or indication of firing. The stock is also in excellent condition showing a nice even brown color through out with the usual minor handling marks scratches and dings in some area, but still showing the nice feathered look to the wood. A very nice example of circa 1800-1820 French flintlock musket.