The rifle pictured is the rifle for sale. Please read the entire description and view all photos prior to your purchase.

For use with BLACK POWDER Only!
Pre 1898 Antique musket.

The Swiss Model 1842 was one of the first standardized Swiss infantry rifles adopted for service by the Swiss armed forces. The rifle was introduced in 1842 and was a result of a decision made by the authorities of the Old Swiss Confederacy to standardize weapons among the Cantons but still have separate armies/entities.

In 1859 the weapons were updated. (T.59) The rifles were updated again in 1867 (T.67) utilizing a Milbank-Amsler receiver which converted it into a breech loader. Some of these even received rifled barrels in the 1860’s, the Swiss were considered to be late to the development of rifling their musket barrels. The Swiss would experiment between 2 groove rifling and 4 groove rifling. Original rifles could be differentiated from modified rifles by how the iron sights are set up. Muskets modified for rifled barrels would feature an additional rear sight that is able to be adjusted for distance and bullet drop. The Swiss measure this with a sight gauged in paces, the modified rifles retain the original rear notch sites on the tang that mounts to the barrel and stock. The locking section is also another way to identify rifle generations.

The rifle fires the Swiss GP1859. Black powder charges only.

Just like in modern times these converted muskets had a series of testing that they were required to pass for adoption and use. Accuracy tests would be conducted at 200,400,600 and 800 paces. Penetration at 600 paces through wooden boards, which the musket was able to penetrate 3 boards at that distance. Recorded recoil impulse was tested along with the influence of fouling against accuracy where the test would leave the rifle uncleaned overnight. The Swiss also needed the ammunition to be easy to manufacture and have an ability to use older types of ammo. We see this principle with the Swiss throughout history where they recycle older designs or material into their current designs.

Just like in modern day times the Swiss were eager to sell some of their rifle designs internationally. Their first venture was among both Russia as well as France in their war effort.

This musket would be phased out for the Vetterli rifle system.

The Swiss antique musket pictured is the item for sale. This is a converted 1842/59 musket. We can tell there was a conversion because the bore is rifled. The musket also has two rear sights. The original notch sights along with an adjustable rear sight set for 400 and 600 paces. This is an antique as it was produced before 1898. This musket is well over 100 years old and has aged rather well. The musket does not appear to have been blued and could have been a polished steel from its inception. There are no signs that indicate it was originally blued. So the finish is bare metal with a nice polish. There is some light rust/patina but the overall metal looks to be in good shape. The wood stock is also in great shape for its age. It appears to be constructed from walnut and the finish is intact evenly throughout the stock. There are some cosmetic blemishes from use, transportation and storage but again, for a musket well over 100 years old it is in rather great shape. The stock is marked and also appears to be serialized. It is though to tell if the serial numbers match the gun because they are rather faint. The stock is marked 225 and the musket barrel has the same 225 number. The barrel looks properly timed and the notches match. The musket was function tested but NOT test fired.

H – Barrel

B over 2

S – timing mark

H – Stock

K – Front barrel band