Revolutionary War Era German Flintlock Jaeger Rifle | Rare Original Hessian Muzzleloader

Did this Jaeger see Hessian Use during the American Revolutionary War? It's a question many of us are left wondering after seeing this piece in person. It has all the attributes, even a rarely seen sword-bayonet mount at the muzzle. If only this rifle could talk...

From the Rock Island Auction Company:

This German Jaeger rifle is visually similar to examples attributed as having been used by Hessians during the Revolutionary War. The Hessians consisted of approximately 30,000 German troops hired by the British to fight against the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War, and a rifle such as this one could have possibly seen use with the Hesse-Hanau Freicorps, a group of elite soldiers skilled in the art of hunting. This early example has a right side mounted lock bar for a sword bayonet, of which it is believed the Hesse-Hanau Freicorps were the only unit of the Revolutionary War to use jaeger rifles equipped for use with sword bayonets (reference page 64 of the book, "British Military Flintlock Rifles 1740-1840" by De Witt Bailey). These short large caliber rifles were well suited for use in the woods with accuracy at long ranges, especially in the hands of the skilled German sharpshooters carrying them. Features seven-groove rifling, an iron ramrod, dovetail mounted brass blade front sight, flip-up V notch rear sight, and brass fittings. The lock is completely unmarked. Raised letters "V•H" in a sunken rectangle and "XXXXXVI" assembly marks underneath of the side plate. "GDM" (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes a later leather sling, tools and extra flints in the patchbox. Reference page 226 of George C. Neumann's book "Battle Weapons of the American Revolution" for a similar example pictured. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

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