Help identify this gold plated blunderbus?

[Flying mustang]

Ok, like many other stories, family heirloom. “Used by uncle glass in the civil war”...

it’s not gold plated, and not a blunderbus... sorry, I felt like I needed to at least TRY to get your attention.

There is a “5” on the back of the barrel and an alignment mark for the plug (?) in the back of the barrel.
under the barrel, there is “11 3” but the characters are flipped
“D DL” on inside of spring plate.
“D” on the trigger guard
a couple marks on the trigger plate ‘circle B’ and weird star shape intentionally stamped.
“2010” on the bayonet lug
The triangular nut on the left side has a “D” with a small portion of the star shape surrounding the upper left edge of the D

Barrel measured at .772 at muzzle
Smooth bore
Hammer has checkering on tip
I did not remove the rear plate from the stock.
There is no rear sight.

Uncle Glass may have been from Texas. Unknown if he was in the civil war, where, or what he did. This was in my grandfathers possession for more than 60 years. My father had it for 10. Now, here I am.

I have been around the military and law enforcement for many years and thought I knew a little about firearms. I’ve realized I know almost nothing, and appreciate your dedication to this specialty.

Thank you all. Any help is appreciated.

 

[Sam squanch]

It’s French, my reference books are put up now, get back to you later

 

[Flying mustang]

Thanks Sam, I’m looking forward to learning more about it.

 

[Sam squanch]

I think you have the French model 1846 carabine de chasseur.

 

[user 48679]

What is the bbl length ?

If it has a 40-1/2" bbl, it would be a .75cal smoothbore French Model 1840 Musket, many of which came to this country during the US Civil War.

Here's some pics of one in better condition:

https://joesalter.ca/products/french-1840-percussion-musket

 

[Sam squanch]

With the model 1853 breech. The earlier breeches had the nipple bolster closer to the middle of the barrel. You can’t see down the barrel with the hammer down. The 1853 breech was moved over to the right a bit for better aiming. Congratulations, that’s a nice unmolested one. Quite a few were converted to the Tabetiere or snuffbox Snider breech loading system.

 

[Sam squanch]

Those guns used a small percussion cap as opposed to a top hat musket cap for some reason. My 1842 has the old breech system, almost like a reverse under hammer, it never fails to go off!

 

[Sam squanch]

Should have a rear leaf sight, but it’s obviously missing….

 

[Sam squanch]

Should also be rifled, but it may have been smooth bored when the sight was removed..

 

[Sam squanch]

A word of warning- if you attempt to remove the breech plug, some of these had left hand thread! I forgot the date they went back to right hand thread!

 

[Flying mustang]

You all are amazing!! Based on Sam’s hint earlier, I located this link and was getting closer.
Nouvelle page 0

I’m very grateful for the addition comments and feel happy to know SOMETHING about this piece.
Any recommendations on what level of cleaning/restoring to aim for? I’m thinking I should retain 90% of the patina, shine it up and wax/oil.
Any parts available? Rear sight? Rear sling mount? Bayonet?

Humbly yours,
Donovan

 

[Flying mustang]

What is the bbl length ?

If it has a 40-1/2" bbl, it would be a .75cal smoothbore French Model 1840 Musket, many of which came to this country during the US Civil War.

Here's some pics of one in better condition:

https://joesalter.ca/products/french-1840-percussion-musket

I think the barrel is about 32” (from memory +\- a little)

Bore at muzzle was .772” (19.6088mm)

 

[Sam squanch]

Your best bet for parts would be to go to Europe. I don’t think you will find much here. Check euro auctions for a bayonet. The rear sight will be the hard part to find. If you want to shoot it, you could get the barrel lined with a rifled liner.

 

[Sam squanch]

I’d just clean it and lube it and enjoy it..