Prussian Model 1809 "Potsdam" Musket

Here is a nice example of the Prussian Model 1809 Smoothbore Musket, commonly refered to as the "Potsdam," although this one is marked "Neisse." A total of 165,073 obsolete Prussian longarms, mostly smoothbores, were purchased by the Federal Government begining in August 1861 in the desperate rush to arm the massive number of Northern volunteers. Large numbers of these saw service in the hands of Grant's Western troops in early battles like Belmont, Forts Henry and Donelson, and from Shiloh to the Vicksburg Campaign. Although these muskets are very well made, they were labeled as third class firearms by the government, who replaced them as more modern weapons became available. Their large .71 cal. bores and heavy, clumsy appearance led soldiers to nickname them "stovepipes" and "pumpkin slingers."

This musket exhibits a rich, uncleaned brown patina overall. The stock is in nice condition with regular service dings and scratches, and is missing 2 slivers of the forearm between the upper and middle barrel bands, one along the barrel and a small one along the ramrod channel. The buttplate, ramrod and barrel have matching serial numbers, and the barrel and lock are dated 1825. The underside of the breach is dated 1842, which is the date that this musket was converted from flintlock to percussion. This musket is missing the sling swivels but those could be easily replaced if desired. This is a great untouched "pumpkin slinger" that was the workhorse of Union troops in early western battles. FA1- $900.00