Original British P-1769 Short Land Pattern Brown Bess Flintlock Musket with Single Screw Lock & Figured Stock – circa 1770 Original Items

Original Item: One of a Kind. This is a stunning British “Short Land Pattern” Regimentally marked Brown Bess Flintock musket, featuring the 42″ barrel first adopted by Dragoons 1740. In 1768 it became the standard infantry musket, and remained so until 1797, when the Third or “India Pattern” took over. This was the standard Musket of the line during the entire U.S. Revolutionary war, so there’s a chance it was involved. This example has some rare early features, including the “1st Model” lock with only one screw behind the hammer. Please see The Brown Bess: An Identification Guide and Illustrated Study of Britain’s Most Famous Musket by Erik Goldstein and Stuart Mowbray, published 2010, pages 92-93 for more information.

This example has a lovely walnut stock, which still retains the “bannister rail” butt stock, a feature that was basically done away with after 1807. Not only that, the butt stock and wrist show some lovely “flame” figuring, which makes it highly attractive. The musket has a full 42″ regulation length, .75″ smoothbore iron barrel, which bears British Proof Marks, which are still mostly clear. They include the British CROWN / GR / Broad Arrow and a partial CROWN / CROSSED SCEPTERS for manufacture in Birmingham, England. The stock is fitted with the correct FOUR ramrod pipes and correct all brass mounts.

The early “single screw” lock plate is fully marked with CROWN / G.R. mid lock for King George III, with TOWER marked on the tail. It also has the CROWN “Lock Viewer’s” marking under the flash pan. The lock surface has the correct curved profile of Pre-1777 manufacture, which later turned to be flattened. The lock has a swan neck cock, indicating pre-1808 construction. The lock is functional, holding correctly at half cock and firing at full.

The lovely all original walnut stock is complete with sling swivels and the correct iron ramrod. It has the correct “swell” just rear of the first ramrod pipe. It is really in great shape, showing only light handling marks and small chips in high wear areas. There are no repairs or major cracks that we can see. Really a great example of a Brown Bess stock, showing very little sign of use, just careful cleaning over the past 250 years.

An original amazing 42″ Short Land Musket with some fantastic early features and a beautiful stock. Ready to research and display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1770
Caliber: .75″ Musket
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 42 inches
Overall Length: 58 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.