An 1808 state-contract flintlock musket in .69 caliber, its lock stamped S.CT for Connecticut. The pattern is attributed to Lemuel Pomeroy's shop in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, which filled musket contracts for several states; the family traits are a roughly 42-inch barrel, a lock whose rear end comes to a point, and a brass pan with fence. This example measures 41.5 inches in the barrel. Its only barrel stamp is a deep condemnation mark over the touch hole, with no proof or inspector marks anywhere.

The metal is bright under a brown oxidized patina and the bore is lightly oxidized. The American walnut stock is rated very good, cleaned long ago, with scattered small dings and a few slim slivers beside the barrel channel. The front sight was ground off the band and replaced with a plain bead, the ramrod looks original, and the lock works as it should. It appears never to have been converted from flint, which makes it a collector's musket rather than a Montana hunting gun.

Key features

• .69 caliber flintlock, 41.5-inch barrel
• Lock marked S.CT, brass pan with fence
• Condemnation mark above touch hole, no proofs
• American walnut stock rated very good
• Appears to remain in original flint

It ships to the Montana FFL dealer you select, and you pick it up there once the paperwork is done.