Original British Napoleonic Wars P-1796 Third Model Brown Bess Flintlock Musket – 28th Regiment Original Items

Original Item: One Only. This is a great example of a regimentally marked really early Third model “India Patterm” Brown Bess, which still retainins the “bannister rail” butt stock. This feature was basically done away with after 1807. The musket has a full 39″ regulation length, .75″ smoothbore iron barrel, which bears British Proof Marks, though they are slightly eroded due to powder corrosion.

The lock plate is full marked with Crown over “G.R.” mid lock, and “TOWER” across the tail. All regulation brass furniture, together with correct issue iron ramrod. Shows use but remains in amazingly tight and clean condition. The lock and barrel have old pitting from powder burns. The barrel is marked to the:-

28TH REGT of FOOT

The 28th Regiment of foot was originally raised in 1694 as Sir John Gibson’s Regiment of Foot and has a sparkling history of battles and actions right up to the Napoleonic Wars. It saw action in the colonies and on the continent, being redesignated the 28th Regiment of Foot in 1751 after service in the War of Austrian Succession. In 1782 the regiment was renamed the 28th (North Gloucestershire) Regiment of Foot, as part of the reforms to create a territorial association for each regiment. Under this name they Served in Egypt in 1801 at The Battle of Alexandria, the Battle of Copenhagen in 1808 and went right through the Peninsula Wars through Portugal, up through Spain and into France between 1809 and 1813.

In 1815 they served in square at Quatre Bras and there is a famous Oil Painting of the action by a Lady Butler. They took part in the Battle of Waterloo, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Sir Charles Belson and were part of the 8th Brigade under General James Kempt. Their conduct earned the Regiment for a “mention in dispatches” by the Duke of Wellington, a very great honor.

The Classic Third Model Brown Bess with a regimental history, ready to display.