Coach Gun.. English? French?

[QuanLoi]

I'm a hobby builder and I'm on my tenth gun... However, I've always wanted to own an original flintlock. Recently, I came into possession of an old flintlock coach gun.  I'm not sure about it's origin and if anyone looking at the photos can give me info, I'd be grateful. It measures 36 inches overall, barrel length is 20.5 inches, breech measures 1.5 inches and the muzzle opens up to two inches. A curious aspect of the lock is the screws connecting the frizzen and frizzen spring to the lock plate. The screw heads seem to be split around a central post... I've never seen another like it. Overall weight is almost a heavy 8.5 pounds. 
Thanks to all...

[ntqlvr1948]

 Beautiful gun and in superb condition. Maybe French? Does it have any proofs on the barrel? It is pretty early given that the pan is not bridled to the frizzen, probable 1740 or earlier

[Avlrc]

 Oh my, that is a killer coach gun. For a first antique flint, you did pretty darn well. Congrats. I would like to have that one.

[Jim Kibler]

Could be French, but my guess is more likely Belgian(Liege). 

A pan bridle isn’t a dating feature.

[QuanLoi]

Beautiful gun and in superb condition. Maybe French? Does it have any proofs on the barrel? It is pretty early given that the pan is not bridled to the frizzen, probable 1740 or earlier

No markings on the barrel at all. Nor on the lock.  The only markings on the gun are nice engraving on the trigger guard... which I really can't make out what it represents. But it's pretty specific since the same engraving pattern is repeated on the heel of the butt plate.

[Feltwad]

continental  with no proof marks I would say French, a barrel length which was common for a coach gun also the bell muzzle for easy loading
Feltwad

[Pukka Bundook]

I'd say French too by the style and furniture, and a grand looking piece!

[James Rogers]

Definitely French styled parts. With no markings I would guess the more French influenced area of the "nether regions" ?

[QuanLoi]

Thanks for the replies. The condition of this gun amazes me. Even the lock screw slots are deep and sharp. I wonder where this gun has been for the last two hundred plus years. I tend to think it was little used… Thanks again…

Decker

[Jim Kibler]

Thanks for the replies. The condition of this gun amazes me. Even the lock screw slots are deep and sharp. I wonder where this gun has been for the last three hundred plus years. I tend to think it was little used… Thanks again…

Decker

Don't imagine you'd need to use it for the intended purpose often.

[Clifton Hicks]

That is an absolutely charming piece. Certainly don't look English!

[Big Jim]

Two are offered here that look similar. He describes them as typically German-made, around 1750. Compare the pictures with your original, perhaps there are similarities.

https://www.waffenhandelimspessart.de/products/details/4208/

[Bigmon]

That is one nice gun.  And the type I am looking to attempt to build.  Where can one get such a barrel?
Does anyone make a kit for such a gun?

[QuanLoi]

Two are offered here that look similar. He describes them as typically German-made, around 1750. Compare the pictures with your original, perhaps there are similarities.

https://www.waffenhandelimspessart.de/products/details/4208/

They look very similar! I notice that the barrels shown at that website appear to transition gradually from octagon to round.  On my coach gun the difference in shape is divided by a wedding band. I wonder if this can be an identifying feature as to it's origin...

[Bob Gerard]

Very high on the Coolness scale.
The side plate resembles ones used by gunmaker Halbach and Sons (Baltimore 1780-1820’s?)
He imported from Prussia.

[QuanLoi]

Thanks for your post. The similarity of the side plate is interesting. I googled Halbach and Son and noted that they were pistol makers around the turn of the 19th century. Is it possible they made this coach gun? Is it an earlier French gun? I guess we’ll never know…
Thanks again.

[Bob Gerard]

I have only read of Halbach and Son making secondary Martial pistols ( from 1780’s through 1820’s or so)
It might more possible be that the Coach gun had Prussian origins, as Halbach imported items to America from Prussia (maybe including his brass mountings, such as his side plates,  and locks?).
You’re right about maybe never knowing.

[Longknife]

I would bet that there are some markings on the bottom of the barrel, it would be strange if there wasn't!

[QuanLoi]

I would bet that there are some markings on the bottom of the barrel, it would be strange if there wasn't!

I think the last hand to touch the bottom of the barrel is long gone… it will remain untouched. So I guess my curiosity stops here.

Thanks to all that replied to my post.