Civil War Auction
Lot 1074:
Description
Civil War Era Prussian Potsdam 1809 .69 Percussion Musket in very good condition with wear and remnants of oxidation. The top tang is cracked. Many proofs and number markings: the bands are marked “18 22” butt plate: “1829 9LWR 4C18, barrel: “FW 18” and a crown on the trigger guard. The 3-band Prussian Model 1809 Smoothbore Musket (often referred to as “the Potsdam Musket”) was one of the most recognizable imported arms during the American Civil War. The weapon was originally manufactured as a flintlock for use by the Prussian Army, with the lock plate stamped with the particular armory of manufacture – “Potsdam”, “Saarn”, “Neisse”, “Suhl” or “ Dresden”. Most were converted to the percussion system, with the year of that upgrade stamped on the underside of the barrel. Starting in 1855, the Prussians began to rearm their front line infantry with breech loading Dreyse rifles. Accordingly, even though the 1809 Model remained a well made and fully serviceable weapon, the Prussians sold many of their surplus to the respective governments in early stages of the Civil War. The gun proved a reliable long arm for many infantry units. It was referred to by many soldiers as a “pumpkin slinger”, given the large caliber of round ball it sent down the battlefield (ranging from .69 to .72). It did serious damage up to 100 yards. C&R Eligible S/N:nsn
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