Need Help with Identification

[pdub82]

I recently received this musket after a family member passed away and unfortunately, I don't know anything about it. I've uploaded some pictures, but if there are others that would be helpful, please let me know. that would be helpful, please let me know. Thanks in advance.

 

[hawkeye2]

Potsdam smoothbore conversion from flint. Thousands were imported by both sides during the Civil War. .72 caliber and they had a reputation of kicking like mule, universally disliked by the troops that received them. You'll find a lot of info out on the net about these. Yours is somewhat unusual as the rear sight and sling swivel are intact. We need full length photos to see if the front sight is still on the band, whether or not it has been cut down and if the sling swivel is still on the middle band.

 

[pdub82]

@hawkeye2 Thank you so much for the quick response. I've attached the full length pictures for some more clarity

 

[hawkeye2]

Other than the ramrod which looks to be a wood replacement it it is nearly 100% correct. They were cheap and not very desirable so a lot were modified anywhere from removing the sights and swivels to cutting down into shotguns.

 

[pdub82]

Thanks a lot for all the information. This was really helpful.

 

[wweedman]

I have shot a Potsdam in competition in the N-SSA for many years and have won probably 100 medals shooting it. The recoil is stout as with many large bore smoothbores but manageable if you are not recoil sensitive. They are a very serviceable musket if you take the time to learn to shoot it.