Potzdam Musket
| Prussian Land Pattern Musket Potzdam musket | |
|---|---|
1740 pattern | |
| Type | long-gun |
| Place of origin | Kingdom of Prussia |
| Service history | |
| In service | Royal Prussian Army (1723–1839) |
| Used by | Prussia Holy Roman Empire British Empire United States of America Confederate States of America |
| Wars | War of the Polish Succession War of the Austrian Succession First Silesian War Second Silesian War Third Silesian War (part of the Seven Years' War theatre) First Partition of Poland American War of Independence War of the Bavarian Succession French Revolutionary Wars Coalition Wars Napoleonic Wars American Civil War |
| Production history | |
| Designed | 1723 |
| Manufacturer | Potzdam Royal Arsenal Spandau Royal Arsenal |
| Produced | 1723–1839 |
| Variants | Infantry Musket Model 1723 M1723/M1740 M1809 M1809/31 M1831 Cavalry Carbine |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 9.74 lb (4.42 kg) to 10.75 lb (4.88 kg) |
| Length | 50.61 in (1,285 mm) to 61.61 in (1,565 mm) |
| Barrel length | 34.82 in (884 mm) to 45.82 in (1,164 mm) |
| Cartridge | paper cartridge, solid shot/buck and ball (musket ball undersized to reduce the effects of powder fouling) |
| Calibre | .71 (18.03mm) to .78 (20mm) |
| Barrels | 1 (smoothbore) |
| Action | flintlock percussion lock (conversion) |
| Rate of fire | user-dependent; usually 2 to 3 rounds/minute |
| Muzzle velocity | variable |
| Effective firing range | 100 to 200 yd (91 to 183 m) |
| Maximum firing range | 300 yd (274 m) |
| Feed system | muzzle-loaded |
| Sights | fore-sights fore-sights and V-notch |
The Potzdam musket was the standard infantry weapon of the Royal Prussian Army (German: Königlich Preußische Armee) from the 18th century until the military reforms of the 1840s. Four models were produced—in 1723, 1740, 1809 and 1831.