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Historical reproductions

Napoleon’s Imperial Guard Musket

A reproduction of the Imperial Guard infantry musket, with St. Etienne markings and a trumpet-style ramrod.

Supplied in a non-firing state.

Technical details Specifications & construction

 Like other infantry muskets, the imperial guard musket has a straighten frizzen cover over the brass pan. The .69 calibre barrel is 44 3/4 inches long and the musket's total length is 60 inches. The lock plate has the St. Etienne arsenal markings, along with the appropriate stampings on the breech.  Borrowed from the Prussians, the trumpet style ramrod was standard for the French Army after 1777. 

As the photographs attest, this replica is quite well assembled with a case hardened frizzen cover (hammer) producing good sparks. The seamless tempered barrels are made of gun steel (type :BS970 no.080M40- auto industry foundry) and the breeches are tight. We use a industrial case-hardening factory process that makes sparking both more reliable and longer lasting. Presently no other musket provider uses this technique.

As with all our other flintlocks, the vent is not drilled (read details below) so we can ship easily to your door throughout North America and to Europe and the UK. Aside from that they are exactly like the originals. A fine addition to any collection.

The story behind the pattern

History

Imperial Guard Briquet sword found here

This is the musket used by Napoleon's famous Imperial Guard.  The design is quite similar to the standard French Infantry musket of the time except the barrel bands, trigger guard and butt plate are made of brass.  Initially most of the "Garde Impériale" muskets were made at the Versailles armoury but this soon expanded to productions from other armouries in France like the St. Etienne armoury.   Used from Austerlitz to the Battle of Waterloo, this black powder musket is a must for any serious collector.

apoleon with the Imperial Guard at Jena in 1806 (by Horace Vernet) Note the artist's attention to detail
Napoleon with the Imperial Guard at Jena in 1806 (by Horace Vernet) Read about the Guard's service at Jena here.
Napoleon's Imperial Guard with their muskets in 1814 fighting Russian troops using the almost identical musket by Carle Vernet
Napoleon's Imperial Guard with their muskets in 1814 fighting Russian troops using the almost identical musket  by Carle Vernet
In 1808 Russia copied this musket almost identically as shown above. At the time Napoleon's France and Russia were quasi-allies. The Russian Model 1808 Musket continued to be the principal infantry firearm until 1845. Many were converted to percussion cap and saw service in the Crimean War.
1814 Battle Scene showing Russian 1808 musket by Peter von Hoss.

In 1808 Russia copied this musket almost identically as shown above.  At the time Napoleon's France and Russia were quasi-allies.  The Russian Model 1808 Musket continued to be the principal infantry firearm until 1845.  Many were converted to percussion cap and saw service in the Crimean War.

Our Guarantee

If upon receiving your musket you are not completely happy with your purchase, you may return it for a refund. All we ask is you cover the shipping costs. It has to be returned in two weeks of receipt and be in its original state (unaltered and unmodified).

Non-Firing State

We sell historically accurate muskets and pistols in a non-firing state for demonstration purposes. This allows us to comply with various local, state, national and international firearms regulations, along with shipping company policy restrictions. This means the product comes right to your doorstep. A certified gunsmith may decide to alter a musket or pistol to a firing state by drilling the vent hole and test firing it. No need to remove the breech plug. We are not legally responsible for any changes from its present state. Please read our Conditions of Use and Legal Disclaimer. The customer is expected to be aware of the laws of their locality that govern products of this nature.