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RARE NAPOLEANIC WARS ANTONIO BERETTA FLINTLOCK

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:4,500.00 USD Estimated At:9,000.00 - 15,000.00 USD
RARE NAPOLEANIC WARS ANTONIO BERETTA FLINTLOCK

BLUNDERBUSS. Cal. approx. 70. NSN. Beretta is the world oldest firearms mfg & one of the oldest industrial enterprises, tracing it's history as far back as 1526. During Napoleon Bonaparte's occupation of Italy, 1797-1815, Beretta produced as many as 40,000 muskets a year for his Grande Armee. For this, Beretta was awarded a "Good Service Certificate" by Napoleon. This very scarce blunderbuss is one of the few surviving Beretta made military arms from the Napoleonic era. Lockplate is marked "Antonio Beretta / In Gardone". 25 7/8" Barrel with flared muzzle having a diameter of 1 3/4". Pin fastened musket style walnut stock with brass buttplate, triggerguard, sideplate, faceted thimble and pipe. Front triggerguard tang is stamped with a crown over "F" St. Etienne style proof indicating French military use. Overall, length is 41". WEIGHT: 10 lbs. CONDITION: metal surfaces have bright appearance from past cleaning. Wood has added finish over wear showing numerous scratches, dents & handling marks. Hardwood ramrod may be replacement. Sound lock w/ stiff mainspring tension. Dark, pitted bore. (01-20745/DS). ANTIQUE. $9,000-15,000.