A reproduction of the Prussian Nothardt pattern, with arsenal markings and an engraved royal cypher.
Supplied in a non-firing state.
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Technical details Specifications & construction
Barrel42 inches
Bore.62 calibre
Overall length58 inches
This
smooth-bore flintlock muzzleloader has a 42-inch tapered barrel with a .62 calibre bore.
The overall length is 58 inches. The "POTZDAMMAGAZ" armoury markings
are consistent with those manufactured in 1805. The Prussian royal
cypher and crown is etched into the brass of the reverse side plate
The trumpet style ramrod is more robust. A new invention as added this
musket, the build in and reinforced flash guard to prevent burning the
soldier next to you with vent blast.
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 polished 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
Prussia and German States -
French Allies - Napoleonic Wars
The
Prussian Army faced an issue. They had improved the
1740 Model musket
with a heavy ramrod to improve the speed of firing. However fighting
the speedy French revolutionary columns of troops in the First Coalition War
of the 1790s had proven military tactics had change. Mobility and
light tactics became to the front in military thought.
To answer this need, Captain
Nothardt of Regiment No.57 (Glogau) developed a new and highly effective musket,
the 1801 Model. Nothardt's Regiment, under the leadership of
Friedrich August von Graevenitz, had become an incubator of efficiency and
innovation. Nothardt looked to improving accuracy and reducing weight.
His solution was two-fold. First he reduced to the calibre of the barrel
to .62, a calibre common with hunting fowling pieces. The reduced calibre
made the barrel much lighter and a lighter ramrod could be introduced as well.
The two improvement was addition of front and rear sights, vertically unheard of
for Infantry muskets at the time. Further embracing the shooter design, a
beautifully sculpted cheek piece was added to the butt of the stock.
Prussian troops advancing in the Napoleonic Wars by Carl Rochling
By 1805, the musket was in heavy
production and seven battalions of Prussian Infantry were outfitted with the new
musket by the time war broke out with France. While an excellent musket
especially for sharpshooting light infantry,
the Prussians discovered an issue with it. The logistics of supplying smaller
ammunition was an issue. The Prussian musket used by the majority of the
army used .75 calibre ammunition and could in a pinch use enemy ammunition for
the French .69 calibre musket (the British Army had a similar advantage). Nothardt's musket could not and it and was replaced in
1809 Infantry Pattern that was similar to the
French Imperial Guard Musket.
Like the Ross Rifle of World War
One, the Nothardt Musket was a shooter's firearm that could not handle the
varied demands of military service. Ironically after Prussia was defeated
by Napoleon in 1806, captured Nothardt muskets were impressive enough to be
re-issued to French allies along the Rhine and continued to used until the end
of the Napoleonic Wars.
Prussian Guards attacking French position near Farm by Carl Rochling
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.
