Swiss (or Belgium) Model 1842 Percussion Infantry Musket?

[S&WOwner]

Well, just picked up a neat musket (always wanted one). I was told it was used by a Minnesota soldier in the Civil War. I was also told it bounced between Belgium and Switzerland and ended up used during the Civil War...anyway - just going through the first phase of ID'ng the markings and need a little help.

Now, I did find a "A Swiss Model 1842 Percussion Infantry Musket" that had the "Crown over BF" and "V inside of a Circle" markings AND M6328M on its butt while my new puppy has M5xxxM on the butt. That rifle was sold at auction in 2006.

I THINK...

1. Their are Belgian Gun Maker markings (Crown over BF) all over the rifle...
2. Their are the standard Belgian (E over LG star) Proof House Markings...
3. "Shield" looks like emblem of Canton Neuchâtel (Western Switzerland)...
4. Haven't a clue what the "1091" might be is the Beuret Frères assembly number...
5. The "L" mark might be Swiss Inspector Ledermann...
6. The "N" mark might be the Swiss Manufacture Mark (sometimes represented by just a N)...

NO CLUE...

6. Their are a few "V inside of a Circle" - no clue...
7. Haven't a clue what the "CGP" - no clue...
8. Haven't a clue on the "895" stamped on both the metal and wood...
9. Upside down "shield" - no clue...

I have included pictures to help with the ID process.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[fahnenschmied]

Re: Swiss (or Belgium) Model 1842 Percussion Infantry Musket?

Well, to be sure you have a m1842 musket, probably a rifled one, to judge by the rear sight. As to bouncing between Belgium and Switzerland, I am not sure about that, certainly it was made in Belgium, as a great deal of Swiss 42s were. However, I think once it got to Switzerland, it probably stayed there. Had it not been accepted by whichever canton and stayed in Belgium it might have been imported here. I know some of these got imported back in the 1950s or 60ies, I have seen a few here and there, but I dont know for sure if any of these Swiss patterns ever were imported during the Civil War. I had once a bit of info on these - this is all I caould scratch up at a moment.. http://www.1861.ch/pages/seitelangwaffen.htm
and much better, is this link showing cartridges, packets and caps for this musket. http://www.ch-munition.ch/papier/index.htm

[S&WOwner]

Re: Swiss (or Belgium) Model 1842 Percussion Infantry Musket?

Thanks for the information David. I will do a little searching on your links.

Thanks again.