c1840s Antique Le PAGE Freres MILITIA Musket .70 Caliber Percussion Hamburg Scarce, Hearty, & Attractive Martial Long Arm

Product Description

c1840s Antique Le PAGE Freres MILITIA Musket .70 Caliber Percussion Hamburg

Scarce, Hearty, & Attractive Martial Long Arm

Here we present an antique LePage Military Musket marked “HBM”, made circa 1844. The LePage Freres (LePage Brothers), Charles and Alphonse, made guns in their own name in Liège, Belgium, from as early as 1844 to 1868. Le Page was a French firearms manufacturer established in Paris in 1717. Founded by Louis Pigny, the company remained in the same family until 1913. The brand’s unique and luxurious craftsmanship quickly gathered a royal and imperial clientele. In addition, the manufacturer’s commitment to the French Revolution together with recognition from authors also enhanced the prestige of the brand.

According to a German gun collectors society, this infantry rifle was made for the Free Hanseatic City of Bremen in 1844 for the militia, stating that only 125 of these were made. However, others have posited that the “HBM” marking on the lock stands for “Hambürger Bürgermilitär”, or Hamburg Militia in English. Whichever city or state of the German Confederation these were made for, this musket is a fine example of craftsmanship and is the definition of soldierproof. The lock, hammer, and bolster are large and robust. “LePAGE/A LIEGE” is stamped on the right side of the butt stock. Liege proofs are located on the breech end of the barrel. The stock itself has beautiful wood grain.

In addition to its origin in Belgium and its likely use in the German states, it is highly likely that this musket and its like were some of those sold to the Union and the Confederacy during the American Civil War. Though well-built and seemingly lightly used, smoothbore muskets were on their way out by the 1860s and many European governments were only too happy to be able to sell their old stock and upgrade their armories.

The overall condition is near fine. Original patina. The action is excellent. The bore is smooth and in nice condition. The stock is smooth and solid, showing careful period use. The leather sling is in very good condition for age.

Own the original! This is a legitimate antique and not a reproduction.

Barrels are 40-5/8 inches.

Caliber: .70 Percussion

Overall condition as seen in photos.

Very Fast. Very Safe. FREE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE. Delivered directly to your door by express mail!

Guaranteed AUTHENTIC & Includes CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY.

www.ancestryguns.com

$2875
#217741