Original Item: One Only. Out from our Nepal Palace purchase of 2003, this is a spectacular example of this scarce British East India Company .75″ Short Musket issued in the 1846-54.
This Short Musket was made in England, and is marked DEAKIN under the barrel. The lock bears the E.I.C. trade mark “Rampant Lion with Crown “, introduced in 1808. The stock itself is marked FIELD & SONS H-B on the underside of the butt stock just in front of the lower sling swivel. The stock has just two brass ram rod pipes, with no throat pipe, and feastuers all brass mounts throughout.Comes complete with iron ram rod and is fitted with the “F” type bayonet catch.
The musket is accompanied by its issue Sword Bayonet of the unique Sappers & Miners design. It is also marked DEAKIN on the back edge of the blade and comes complete with its ORIGINAL brass mounted leather scabbard, which are just about unheard of. Additionally, the blade is marked with a proof mark next to:
ARTY.
24 . 51
This indicates use by an Artillery unit, possibly 24th Battalion, 51st man. We unfortunately have not been able to identify the exact unit, but this has great research potential.
Fully cleaned and ready to display!
See “SMALL ARMS OF THE EAST INDIA COMPANY” Volume II Page 258/259 by David Harding for further information. A truly wonderful publication.