Imperial Russian, Crimean War, M1828-44 Tula Arsenal Percussion Musket,

Original period manufacture. Based on the French M1822 musket, and produced in 69 caliber flint at the Tula Arsenal in 1839, being converted to percussion after 1844. At some point in it's life the musket barrel was shortened from its original 41 inches to 36 inches, with a now overall length of 51.5 inches. During the shortening process the musket lost its upper barrel band, however whoever did the modification to the musket thought enough of it to place a brass front site at the muzzle. Each piece of the brass furniture displays the year of manufacture date of 1839, with a wonderful double headed eagle stamp on the top of the buttplate. The hammer holds well at halfcock, the nipple is rather battered and cannot be used to fire the weapon. The stock is basically sound, with evidence of an old cleaning, however several circular proof marks and a faint serial number can be seen pressed into the wood. Wooden replacement ramrod and the buttplate is missing its lower securing screw. US Sales Only