Flintlock Musket, ca. 1700-1800

The flintlock musket was the basic weapon in French Illinois. A flintlock fired when the trigger was released, causing a chip of flint to strike steel. The resulting spark lit the gunpowder that sent the shot out of the barrel. At more than 100 yards the accuracy of these muskets was doubtful in hitting anything the size of a man.

Gift of Mortimer C. Grover and Mrs. Ella Grover Foster, Evanston, IL, from the collection of Frank R. Grover (700418)
Made in Charleville, France

© Illinois State Museum 31-Dec-96