Fusil

French
ca. 1760 – 1783

The French term fusil (or fusee) refers to a full-size smoothbore flintlock musket. In the 18th century, the English and Americans used the word fusil to mean a lightweight shoulder weapon of smaller size and caliber than the standard infantryman's flintlock musket. It was an officer's weapon, often privately purchased. By the time of the American Revolution, the fusil had replaced the traditional spontoon carried by commissioned officers of the line.

Walnut, steel. L 136 (barrel L 96.2) cm
C. B. H. Jackson Collection,
Valley Forge National Historical Park, VAFO 5266