This musket was manufactured at the French Arsenal at Maubeuge.  It's one of a grouping of muskets that France sold the U.S in 1777-78.  As per George Washington's orders these muskets were to be stamped United States. This musket has the earlist known marking of United States which was later shortened to U.States and eventually just U.S . These stock brandings were done in the field where as the lock and barrel stampings were done when the musket was sent to the arsenal.   The barrel is stamped at the breech D76 for it's year of manufacture 1776.  It has been trimed to 41" in it's period of use along with the end of the forestock and a rear sight was added. I believe the lock is a very good reconversion which functions properly. Overall the musket exhibits a wonderful untouched aged patina.  This is a very Rare American Rev.War musket.  In 40 years I 've only seen a half dozen United States branded muskets. 
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