Flintlock Musket

From the collections of PVMA • Digital image © Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Assoc. • Image use information

About this item

British General John Burgoyne invaded the United States from Canada in 1777, as part of an ambitious plan to end the American rebellion by splitting the colonies in two. His 5,000 man army consisted of crack British troops, Hessian mercenaries, and Native American allies. A non-existent supply line and bushwacking through dense forests while overloaded with baggage was Burgoyne’s undoing. Morale sagged as the army slogged on. Meanwhile, hundreds of New Englanders raced to intercept the invasion. This badly damaged German Brunswick musket (1760-1777) is likely one of those taken from the Brunswick troops at the battle of Saratoga in 1778, or at the battle of Bennington, Vermont that preceded it. It is very close in form to the muskets sent as trophies to Massachusetts by the commander of the American forces at Bennington.

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Details

Item typeWeapons
Firearm
Datecirca 1777
PlaceNew York; Germany
TopicMilitary, Wars, Battles
Science, Technology
EraRevolutionary America, 1763–1783
EventAmerican Revolution. 1775–1783
Battles of Saratoga. October 17, 1777
MaterialMetal; Wood
Process/FormatWoodworking; Metalworking
Dimension detailsBarrel: 44.50 in Stock: 12.25 in
Catalog #1883.30.03
View this item in our curatorial database →
Flintlock Musket. ca. 1777. Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, American Centuries. https://americancenturies.org/collection/1883-30-03/. Accessed on December 7, 2024.

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