"Musket restoration?" Topic

I inherited a musket (stamped "98", I assume 1798), that mechanically is in working order. However, the stock has a small split in it, and it is definitely showing it's age.

How would I go about getting it repaired and cleaned? I don't have the space to do this at home, any ideas on the cost of something like this?

PS – I put this in reenactment since it seemed most people here would be knowledgeable of such things.

I'd pose this on muzzleloadingforum.com and/or www/americanlongrifles.com . Both boards are full of knowledgeable gunsmiths and collectors who can tell you what needs to be done, who can do it, and most importantly, should anything be done at all.

Oops, obviously the second link whould be americanlongrifles.com .

Thanks! Both those links look very helpful.

Another suggestion would be to do it the way they did back then and wrap it with leather – wet leather stretched around the crack and allowed to dry, then oiled and water-proofed. There are loads of examples of this being done, a simply field repair too.

Is this a reproduction musket? I don't recall any musket with a "98" stamped on it reproduced for us re-enactors. I'm just curious, because I think the links above are the best advice. I had a 2nd pattern Tower British Bess that broke at the wrist. My old gunsmith repaired it with a hidden pin, and besides a crack mostly filled, it was good as new.

If its real, do NOTHING until you check with an expert.

Nothing I say! Or you may possibly ruin. But just casue it is real does not mean its worth much.

I speak of a repair job on a reproduction piece above. I agree with jgawne. If this is an original it should be checked out first to determine the value. If you are looking for a re-enactment gun, please don't use an antique. There are many fine reproduced weapons, and they are not overly expensive. It will be safer and much more respectful of a possible artifact.

Your membership page doesn't say where you are in the USA. However, I have had good experiences with the following companies that specialize in repairing reenacting and historic weapons:

lodgewood.com Lodgewood, based in WI, but you could meet them at a reenactment elsewhere.

edsmart.com/jz John Zimmerman. This guy is an oldtime artistan. Based in Harpers Ferry WV.

I agree with artslave and jgawne. Findout what you have before you get it repaired.

This is a family heirloom, and I assume original piece. Trust me, I was not planning on any home repairs. ;)

Even if the musket itself is not worth much, I would like to restore it.

Thanks for the posts and links.