Oddball Musket - What Is It???

[Tanselman]

I am attaching pictures of a musket that I know nothing about. A friend thought it was a "Kentucky rifle," a family "heirloom" that was carried on the frontier.  Now we both wonder what it really is. Can anyone identify what kind of musket this is, where it was made, and some idea of about when. The bayonet fits the muzzle OK and supposedly goes with the musket. There is some wood putty in a couple of stock dings. Shelby Gallien

[Tanselman]

Here are a couple more details of the musket in question...whatever it is. The bayonet has the number "57" stamped on the rear rim of the locking loop. Shelby Gallien

[rich pierce]

Looks like a federal period state militia musket in styling.

[smart dog]

Hi,
I believe it may be an Austrian musket from 1798 or the early 1800s.

dave

[LynnC]

Very French looking to my untrained eye.....Lynn

[smart dog]

Very French looking to my untrained eye.....Lynn

Hi,
I don't believe the barrel bands are French designs.  I think they are styled like Austrian muskets of the period.  The Austrians used a lock very similar to the French.  I believe it is an Austrian model 1798 musket.

dave

[Tanselman]

I measured the barrel this evening, and it's a smooth bore about 43-1/2 inches long with about a .73+ inch bore, in case that helps. Here's a picture of the bayonet's "57" stamped marking at the base.  Shelby Gallien

[Niall]

The stock shape and the fact it's made of beech  would strongly suggest it's Austrian.It's not French.

[Seth Isaacson]

Here is a video of one in action: