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British Brown Bess Marine or Militia pattern flintlock musket
Guns International #: 100653684 Seller's Inventory #:
Category: Antique Rifles - 1500-1850 - Antique Rifles - Flintlock
Seller's Information
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Seller: JKelly
Company: James Kelly Metallurgist LLC
Member Since: 5/12/15
First Name: James
Last Name: Kelly
State: Michigan
Zip: 48307-1916
Country: United States
Fax:
Number of Active Listings: 0
Total Number of Listings: 6
Seller: Private Seller
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
I ship USPS priority $30 long guns, $25 pistols
Payment Types Accepted: Postal Money Order
Description:
Brown Bess in the Marine/Militia pattern, made under European contract. The British frequently ran low on muskets, especially after our Revolution, and on more than one occasion contracted with northern European countries for Brown Bess pattern muskets and pistols. This Brown Bess was made under the so-called "Belgian" contract. The proof marks might indicate it was actually made in Denmark. European contract Brown Bess muskets did not always well follow the pattern exactly. This one is in the Marine & militia pattern, developed during the 7 Years War (our French & Indian War). I personally believe it is Napoleonic periord. The flat side plate and the screw in the butt-plate tang conform to this Marine Militia pattern, ref The Brown Bess, Erik Goldsteim & Stuart Mobray. Differences from Tower made guns of this pattern are in the butt-stock shape, the barrel length of 36" and the addition of a rear sight. The standard British military practice was for the line to present arms at the enemy and fire on command. They generally did not actually aim, and Tower muskets had no rear sight. The stock of this musket has slight cast-off, and the sights line up well. It may have been made for use by skirmishers. "G" over "19" is stamped on the ramrod.
The .80 caliber barrel is marked with the Birmingham proofs used for foreign made barrels, with "609" followed by "SS", and a set of European proof marks which I cannot read. It is these proofs that might be Danish. Stock appears to be walnut. Mechanically excellent, complete with sling swivels, what looks like the original ramrod, and a very strong main spring.
The Englishman from whom I bought it said he got it in Sweden. The story he gave me was in 1808 the Russians let a large contract for arms with Sweden. In order to meet delivery the Swedes had to strip their own arsenals of guns. Then the Russians not only did not pay for the guns, they attacked Sweden. Sweden asked the U.K. for weapons, got 10,000 Brown Bess muskets and 5,000 1796 Heavy Cavalry swords.
Condition: Very Good to Fine, save for one chip out of the butt, shown. Please add $35 shipping, continental USA Payment certified check or money order.
SOLD
Antique: Yes
Caliber Info: .80
Bore: smooth