Fusil

French
1777

The fusil was a light, smoothbore shoulder weapon of smaller proportions and caliber than the standard infantry musket. By the mid-18th century, the fusil became an officer's shoulder weapon, replacing traditional spontoons and polearms. Often privately purchased by officers, fusils varied in features and decorative engravings, but followed set basic patterns.

This fusil includes a walnut stock which secures its iron barrel using three brass bands. The stock is surcharched "U STATES" on the butt, signifying government ownership by the young United States. This practice was adopted by 1778 to identify government property and to deter soldiers from taking firearms home upon the termination of their military service. The fusil's barrel is stamped "1777" on the tang. The brass furniture includes a trigger-guard plate, flat side plate, and French-style butt plate with short, rounded tang. The fusil mounts a French 1754 model lock plate and flat goose-neck cock.

Barrel .72 caliber. Weight 8.3 lbs
Walnut, brass, iron. L 139.7 (barrel L 100), W 4.5 cm
George C. Neumann Collection
Valley Forge National Historical Park, VAFO 151