What did I find?

[JakobinWisconsin]

Found this old 20 gauge smoth bore in an antique shop today.
Caplock marked Potsdam on the lock
Lock slips on full cock and everything is pretty rusty
What have I found and is it worth anything?

 

[Trot]

That is a Prussian musket imported for use in the Civil War. Commonly called Potsdam muskets. Value will depend on condition, has it been cut down? How many of it's original parts does it retain?

 

[JakobinWisconsin]

That is a Prussian musket imported for use in the Civil War. Commonly called Potsdam muskets. Value will depend on condition, has it been cut down? How many of it's original parts does it retain?

It's pretty rough the lock and barrel are probably salvageable and look all original but tge stock would need replacement and tge ramrod is gone

 

[Rudyard]

The stock looks fine why would you want to replace it . The basic gun looks sound considering . The best thing you can do for that gun is to let someone who will look after it have it . And not be thinking of" Whats its worth ''.One of the annoying things on the Program 'Antigues Roadshow 'is in UK they seek what it Is & lastly its value. Wherass on the US version the first question is "What's it worth ?".

Rudyard

 

[JakobinWisconsin]

The stock looks fine why would you want to replace it . The basic gun looks sound considering . The best thing you can do for that gun is to let someone who will look after it have it . And not be thinking of" Whats its worth ''.One of the annoying things on the Program 'Antigues Roadshow 'is in UK they seek what it Is & lastly its value. Wherass on the US version the first question is "What's it worth ?".

Rudyard

Well if I bought it I would use it and well I suppose my real question should have been its it a reliable gun still?

 

[Rudyard]

As a guide if you seek a gun to use it depends on the condition particularly the bore . but it is historic ,it survived till now , its not expendable ,We have a duty to preserve such pieces . The better course would be to buy a new known to be sound gun. and there are such guns offered I believe. Try Loyalist Arms . they have a good name & ive known them for years as fair honest merchants .
Regards Rudyard

 

[Rawhide67]

Or, it's your gun, do as you wish with it. Could be shootable, but probly only after being approved fixed by a competent gunsmith.