[boyt44]

Does it look like this?

 

[boyt44]

These are commonly known as Potsdam muskets. Many were bought in Europe at the start of the Civil War by Northern agents,and were carried by the troops until more suitable rifles could be supplied,after which these were placed in storage. After the war, guns like this were sold by outfits like Bannerman's,and they often cut them down to make cheap shotguns.

I should mention that these were made by a number of different armories,and various names can appear on the lockplate, like "Potsdam" or "Suhl". There are different fittings,too,brass or iron, depending again on who made them.

 

[boyt44]

I have two of these muskets, and I can certainly attest to the size and weight of them-they are massive weapons. Very long and heavy. The correct bayonet for them is a big heavy thing,too. They are an attractive gun,though, with lots of brass.