Here we present an antique Belgian LeMille French Model 1842 Style Percussion Musket, manufactured circa the late 1850s to early 1860s in Liege, Belgium. This example of one of the tens of thousands of European muskets and rifles imported to arm early war volunteers in the American Civil War.
Many of these arms were made in Liege, who’s gun makers produced copies of regulation arms for a number of European countries. This example is a copy of the French Model 1842 and is marked “LEMILLE/A LIEGE. As is characteristic of many Belgian and French arms, it has a back action lock, with the lock plate secured at the rear by a screw requiring a special screwdriver to discourage the infantry soldiers from meddling where they shouldn’t.
There were many muskets purchased by the Union agent Hartley throughout Europe. This weapon was imported in large quantities and was issued, and disliked, by thousands of Union infantrymen. Imported arms played a key role in the early years of the war before the U.S. armories and contractors could catch up in production. Some estimates of imported French and Belgian arms place their numbers close to 150,000 examples.
The overall condition is good. Strong action. This example has a good bore for its age and contains visible rifling. Solid stock with an expected amount of wear. Legible markings. The ramrod is absent. Liege proof marked on the left barrel flat.
We have powder, primers, brass and bullets available as well, call to inquire.
No shipping on Tuesday, Thursday, or Sunday
If you have any further questions, or wish to purchase the item please call between 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Mountain Time, Mon-Sat. WE DO NOT USE THE "Buy It" feature, you must call us at (208)(375)(8694) to actually secure/purchase an item.
Please keep in mind, due to high volume of internet sales, we may not be able to answer your e-mails as quickly as you need.
All prices reflect a discount for cash or money order payment, if you pay with a credit card , prices will be 3% higher than the price shown. All local sales are subject to Idaho sales tax. Call for Trades
Warranty: Previously owned (used) firearms have a 3 Day Inspection at Your Dealer Location, there is a 25% restocking fee on all returned used guns, if you fill out the 4473 form and take the firearm home, the firearm is yours.
All NEW firearms are warranted by the factory. We reserve the right to correct Pricing, Typographical, and Photographic and/or Descriptive errors.
Cliffs Guns, Safes & Reloading
