1763 Charleville musket

[ntqlvr1948]

 Hi, I have this Charleville musket that is surcharged on the lock, and top of barrel, with m1763 on the tang, and opposite the lock it is branded US in a circle... I have seen U STATES, and UNITED STATES branded in the stocks but not another like this. Has anyone seen this branded US in a circle on another gun/

[WESTbury]

Nice looking Charleville.

The most accepted theories on these "US" surcharges on the muskets of the Rev War era are that those applied on the lock during the war were about 3/8" high letters.

The "US" in a circle brand is a post war brand as are the smaller "US" stamps on locks and barrels.

Photos below show what are believed to be Wartime stamps and brands. No documentation has been found to date about these stamps and brands specifying standards for the marks.