Prussian Muskets: Numbers on the Unwanted Arms

[JimConley]

I was at the Mansfield Civil War Show last weekend and came across a display of strictly Prussian Muskets, mostly Model 1809s if I recall correctly. After taking a quick glance, I was just about to move down the line of tables when the gentleman behind the display handed me a little write-up about Prussian Muskets in the Civil War. It was written by David Noe, co-author of Firearms From Europe: A History of Firearms Imported During The American Civil War By The United States and Confederate States of America.

I found this quick little piece to be pretty interesting. Even if they were considered sub-par weapons, it's good to learn about the presence they did have in the war.

I have scanned the booklet and created a pdf document for those of you interested in reading it.

[fahtz]

Re: Prussian Muskets: Numbers on the Unwanted Arms

I knew I was friends with you for something... I miss the dickens out of you... Thanks man!

[LibertyHallVols]

Re: Prussian Muskets: Numbers on the Unwanted Arms

Jim,

Cool stuff! Thanks for sharing!!

Regarding the "Potsdam" as a so-called "inferior" arm: There are several N-SSA folks that compete with them and like them quite a bit. What's great about them is that they can still be had relatively cheap. Only a couple years ago, a friend had one for sale for $600, bayonet included. When I asked if it was OK to fire live, he said, "Yeah... I loaded it up with some buckshot and shot at some crows this morning."

It was a peach! I still regret not picking it up.

[ktulu983]

Re: Prussian Muskets: Numbers on the Unwanted Arms

many thanks! During a LH at Manassas this past January I had the good fortune of handling one of these weapons. Quite a piece!

Bob Martin
CVG Co A

[plankholder]

Re: Prussian Muskets: Numbers on the Unwanted Arms

Great find Jim...

[suboptimal]

Re: Prussian Muskets: Numbers on the Unwanted Arms

All,

Please forgive me for reviving an old thread.

I just wanted to thank Mr. Conley for posting this information on the M1809/1839 Prussian musket. This, along with many other helpful posts here on The Authentic Campaigner helped us to properly identify an heirloom. The family myth was that it was a British musket used by an ancestor in the War of 1812. My wife found images of similar Prussian M1809/1839 muskets on the web, and we later found the information posted here that verified the correct identity of the musket as a model 1809 made in Neisse in 1832 and later converted to percussion (although the barrel does not show a conversion date, so we only know it was 1839 or later).

Now, we’re off to research the family’s Civil War connection. Thanks!

[tr07416]

Re: Prussian Muskets: Numbers on the Unwanted Arms

Hi,

Thanks a million for posting the excellent article on Prussian Muskets.

It is exactly what I have been looking for.

TR