{"product_id":"antique-belgian-69-caliber-flintlock-smoothbore-musket-am1019_sp","title":"Antique Belgian .69 Caliber Flintlock Smoothbore Musket","description":"Early 19th-century Belgian flintlock smoothbore musket of French-influenced military pattern, proofed at Liège and chambered in approximately .69 caliber. Belgian military arms of this period drew heavily from contemporary French infantry-musket designs, particularly the Models 1816 and 1822, while incorporating variations produced by the extensive Liège gunmaking industry.\n\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe musket features a 30-inch round smoothbore barrel bearing an ELG-in-oval Liège proof, an unmarked flintlock, full walnut stock, brass furniture, and barrel bands. A crowned “AM” stamp is present in the stock behind the barrel tang screw; its precise significance remains unidentified but possibly a Belgian inspector mark. The approximately 11\/16-inch bore measures near .69 caliber, consistent with the large-bore military smoothbores of the period.\n\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe present short configuration appears to reflect a working-life alteration or musketoon-length modification. The barrel and fore-end may have been shortened from a longer configuration, although an originally shorter military or commercial configuration cannot be completely excluded. The brass barrel bands show evidence of later polishing or buffing. A steel ramrod is present but is a modern decorative replacement.\u003cbr\u003e\n\nA group of small square copper tacks has been applied to the right side of the buttstock in a geometric pattern. The tack decoration appears to be a later addition. No Native American or other cultural attribution is made for this decoration.\n\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCondition: Good as altered. The metal surfaces display an even aged gray-brown patina with scattered oxidation and period wear. The walnut stock shows numerous handling marks, dents, scratches, and minor gouges consistent with extended use. A crack is forming in the fore-end between the barrel-band area, with additional wear and minor losses visible along the fore-stock. Brass furniture has been polished at some point. The barrel may have been shortened during the firearm's period of use or subsequently. The ramrod is a contemporary decorative replacement. Bore condition has not been fully inspected and may exhibit frosting or light pitting. The flintlock action appears mechanically functional; however, due to the age of the firearm, proper function and safety are not guaranteed. The firearm has not been test-fired and should be inspected by a qualified gunsmith before use.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cfont color=\"#989898\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ePERIOD: \u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/font\u003eEarly 19th Century\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cfont color=\"#989898\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eORIGIN: \u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/font\u003eBelgium, Europe\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cfont color=\"#989898\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSIZE:   \u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/font\u003eBarrel Length 30\", Bore size Approximately .69 caliber\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ciscos","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50418888048890,"sku":"AM1019_SP","price":700.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0571\/3405\/files\/AM1019_SP-1.jpg?v=1790014866","url":"https:\/\/ciscosgallery.com\/products\/antique-belgian-69-caliber-flintlock-smoothbore-musket-am1019_sp","provider":"Cisco's Gallery","version":"1.0","type":"link"}