Original British Napoleonic Officer’s Private Purchase .65” Percussion Converted Fusil by Ketland & Adams – circa 1800 Original Items

Original item: Only One Available. Here we have a very interesting Officer’s PRIVATE PURCHASE 0.65″ smooth bore fusil, dating to around 1800 that was later converted to the Percussion cap system. It is marked relatively clearly on the lock by KETLAND & ADAMS, a known British maker during the Napoleonic period. The half round half octagonal barrel is 38″ in total length currently, but may well have been shortened by up to 4″, from 42″ in length. The result is that the original fine walnut wood stock now reaches to within an inch of the barrel muzzle. The front sight was also removed, and a new silver front sight added.

Privately purchased by an Officer, the grip is still faintly checkered and all the brass mounts are like those of a third model Brown Bess, but smaller in size due to shooting only a pistol size ball. The barrel is marked LONDON, however the proof marks are the CROWN / CROSSED SCEPTERS / V and CROWN / CROSSED SCEPTERS / B P C markings from the gun company of Birmingham. It was very common for barrels to be subcontracted out to Birmingham, even if the maker is based in London. Officers, who had to buy their own weapons often carried these light Fusils since the caliber matched their flintlock pistol sidearms.

The original stock is in lovely condition, though it definitely is worn in areas, which has made the original checkering faint. It has the iconic “swell” around the lower ramrod pipe from the early Brown Bess designs, and features an original cleaning rod still stored under the barrel. We have checked the lock mechanics, and it still is fully functional, holding at half cock and firing at full. Both sling swivels were removed at some point as well.

A very nice private purchase example of a British Officer’s private purchase Fusil, which possibly saw use in the War of 1812 and even Waterloo in 1815. Ready to display!

Specifications: 

Years of Manufacture: Circa 1800
Caliber: .65″ Pistol
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 38 inches
Overall Length: 53 1/2 inches
Action: Flintlock
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country’s antique gun laws prior to ordering.