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LOT 1234
Historic Captain Philip Townsend 22nd Regiment, 1757, Fort Herkimer Engraved French
& Indian War Powder Horn - The horn’s main inscription is “CAPT PHILIP/TOWNSEND/22nd REGT
1757” at the basal end below “HARKYMERS” and the rendition of a star fort labeled “PURADE” (parade
ground presumably). It is also inscribed to the right “MOHAK STONRABY” and “GERMAN FLATT” along with
“WOOD CR” towards the throat which has raised rings. The base plug has a removable finial which locks in place
via a wedge set in the stem.
Captain Philip Townsend (1700-1786) of Derry, County Cork, Ireland, was an officer in General O’Farrel’s Regiment (22nd Regiment of Foot, Cheshire Regiment) during the French &
Indian War and Seven Years War. The regiment left for North America in November 1756. Along with Townsend came his 19 year old son Thomas. Captain Townsend wrote frequently
back home from New York and detailed his service in North America and conditions in the colonies. Details on his life and some of this correspondence are published in “An Officer of the
Long Parliament,” including a letter to his brother on March 1, 1758, from “Fort Herekheimer” in which he notes, “I am quartered here in a small Frontier Fort on ye Mohock River, this place is
called ye German Flats from ye very fine flat land by ye River inhabited by ye descendants of high germans settled here about 55 years ago, about five or six days after I came here a body of
French or Indians to ye number of 350 (but till all was over I was informed 800) fell upon the inhabitants of a flat on ye Other side of the River from me, and above a mile and a half above me,
burned their houses and barns, killed twelve of them and carryed away about 100 prisoners and destroyed their stock. It is supposed ye loss amounted to £40,000. All this in my sight without my
being able to give the least assistance...” The 22nd Regiment participated in the famous Battle of the Plains of Abraham (Battle of Quebec) and the attack on Montreal, and the family history notes
“It is believed in the family that Tom was near General Wolff [sic] when he fell at Quebec, and that he sat for his portrait to be introduced in the painting of the death of Wolff [sic]. He continued in
the 22nd Regiment, and was in the siege of Ravenna...”
CONDITION: Fine with worn but generally distinct engraving, some repairs, and general mild overall wear.
Estimate: 7,000 - 10,000
LOT 1233
Historic “UNITED STATES”, “U. STATES” and
“US” Surcharged Revolutionary War Era French
Maubeuge Model 1766 “Charleville” Flintlock
Musket - NSN, 69 cal., 44 1/2 inch round bbl.,
brown finish, walnut stock. For a Revolutionary War
collector, a U.S. surcharged French Model
1766 musket, such as this example offered, is highly sought after.
It features a large deeply double branded “UNITED/STATES” surcharge marking on the right of the buttstock,
large branded “U.STATES” on the bottom of the buttstock, approximately 1/4 inch tall “US” marking on top of the
barrel at the breech, and the same “US” marking repeated on the rear of the lock. French Model 1766 muskets were
among the most heavily used firearms by the American rebels to fight the British during the Revolutionary War,
thanks to support from France which ultimately allowed the Americans to emerge victorious. George Washington
implemented a resolution by the Continental Congress to mark all of the “Charleville” muskets, such as this one,
in use by his Continental Army as United States property. Features a bottom mounted bayonet lug correctly
1 1/8 inches behind the face of the muzzle, brass blade front sight mounted on the rear strap of the upper barrel band, Maubeuge arsenal
manufacturer marking at the center of the lock, a small illegible eight shaped stamp at the top left quarter of the breech next to the “US” stamp, and sling swivels mounted on the
middle band and trigger guard finial.
CONDITION: Good as reconverted to flintlock with mottled brown and gray patina visible on the iron surfaces, areas of artificial brown, mild pitting at the breech, general overall wear from period use, some artificially aged
replacement screws and small parts, and defined “US” markings on the breech and lock. Stock is also good as sanded and re-oiled, with scattered dents, scratches, chips, cracks and insect holes visible, and well defined surcharge
markings. Mechanically fine. This desirable “UNITED STATES”, “U. STATES” and “US” surcharged Revolutionary War era Charleville Model 1766 musket is a must have for any U.S. martial or Revolutionary War firearms collection!
Estimate: 6,500 - 9,500