Musket Identification requested

mrockwell

Private
Joined
Jan 27, 2011
Location
12021 Birch Dr., Corning, NY
I'm trying to determine from what country this rifle had originated from. The only markings that I can find is Is a crown over possibly a W on the left side of the breech. There NJ state marks on the stock and barrel. The number 476 is on the bayonet lug which I assume corresponded with a matching bayonet at one period. The barrel length is 33.5" and although the barrel is pitted the 58 caliber bore is pristine, possibly the effects of salt air. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

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You have a .58 cal Belgian made copy of a French rifle, M1859 I believe but don’t quote me as I’m away from my resources.

these were hand made and of varying quality with some being very well done with others being of dubious quality. Generally the .58 caliber arms were decently appreciated. All were hand made.
 
This is a Belgian rifle based loosely on the French M1857 "Fusil d' Infanterie". These are generally called Pondir Rifles by collectors since their .58 caliber corresponds to the known delivery information from one John Pondir of Philadelphia. Pondir imported Belgian rifles and rifle-muskets in .58 caliber rather than the normal .69 - .71 caliber of most Belgian guns. The rifle version like yours is rarer, in my experience, than the rifle-musket versions (which are easily identified by their Enfield type rear sights).
 
You have a .58 cal Belgian made copy of a French rifle, M1859 I believe but don’t quote me as I’m away from my resources.

these were hand made and of varying quality with some being very well done with others being of dubious quality. Generally the .58 caliber arms were decently appreciated. All were hand made.
Thanks a lot. My sources on the arms from Europe are extremely limited. I sure do appreciate your help.
 
This is a Belgian rifle based loosely on the French M1857 "Fusil d' Infanterie". These are generally called Pondir Rifles by collectors since their .58 caliber corresponds to the known delivery information from one John Pondir of Philadelphia. Pondir imported Belgian rifles and rifle-muskets in .58 caliber rather than the normal .69 - .71 caliber of most Belgian guns. The rifle version like yours is rarer, in my experience, than the rifle-musket versions (which are easily identified by their Enfield type rear sights).
Thanks a lot. My sources on European weapons of that period is extremely limited. The bore is in pristine condition and will shoot a group 3" group of 5 shots, with me a least, at 50 yards.
 
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