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an early, pre-Revolutionary War, dual purpose English trade musket
Guns International #: 102139428 Seller's Inventory #:
Category: Antique Rifles - Flintlock - Military Rifles - Antique
Seller's Information
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Seller: R.A. Butler
Member Since: 2/25/18
First Name: Richard
Last Name: Butler
State: Indiana
Zip: 47025
Country: United States
Phone: (812) 537-9820
Number of Active Listings: 1
Total Number of Listings: 15
Seller: Private Seller
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
Payment Types Accepted:
Description:
*** SOLD *** An early dual purpose musket, dating to before the Revolutionary War, great for your historic American arms collection, mantle, or man cave with a great look that screams important American history.
The lock is marked "LONDON" over "WARRANTED." The friction roller, a late 18th century improvement, likely dates the lock to just after the Revolutionary War. The friction roller is certainly later than the barrel which predates the Revolutionary War. It is marked "LONDON" atop the breach and the left side of the breech is stamped with London view and proof marks, a heart, and "HB." I believe the heart and "HB" are the mark of Henry Blythe, active in London from 1710 to 1750. The barrel is 48" long, slightly flared at the muzzle, with an interesting integral elliptical blade front sight, and smooth bore about .775" caliber or a big 10 gauge. As can be seen in the photographs, the stock is simply but legibly carved opposite the lock with the initials "SAL" and the date "1771." The butt plate, trigger guard, entry thimble and two additional thimbles are typical brass trade furniture. The full stock is straight grained walnut.
Based upon the foregoing, I believe this is a pre-Revolutionary War era dual purpose musket from either the English trade or assembled in America from English parts, with a replaced lock. Locks were regularly replaced as needed and this one appears long with this gun.
Lastly, I actually fired this old gun because why not? How often do you get to shoot a more than 270 year old gun? I only fired it twice though. The mainspring is so weak the musket is slow as molasses in January. I missed the first clay pigeon but I broke the second. I figured shooting .500 with that lock was likely as good as one could do, even a crack shot like myself.
So I cleaned the musket and hung it over the fireplace in my cabin where it remains today. It is being replaced, however, with a long barreled American flintlock fowler. My loss is your opportunity. Hurry before I realize I'll regret selling this great looking piece of American history.
*** SOLD ***
SOLD
Antique: Yes
Model: pre-Revolutionary War dual purpose musket
Bore: .775” / 10 gauge
Condition: good
Metal Condition: good
Wood Condition: good
Bore Condition: good
Stock: straight grained walnut