Original British Tower Marked 3rd Model Brown Bess Flintlock Musket with Bayonet – A Magnificent Example Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a truly magnificent example of a British Third Model Brown Bess, with the 39″ barrel adopted in 1796. It has been fully maintained in a Museum Display for probably more that fifty years in the United Kingdom prior to being acquired by IMA. If you were looking for “the one” to add to your collection, this might be it!

Also known as the “India Pattern”, it was the standard Musket of the line during 1815, the time of the Battle of Waterloo. This example has a lovely valnut stock, which still retains the “bannister rail” butt stock, a feature that was basically done away with after 1807. The musket has a full 39″ regulation length, .75″ smoothbore iron barrel, which bears British Proof Marks, which are still fully clear. These include CROWN / GR, the royal cypher, and the “Crown over Crossed Scepters” of Thomas Ketland of St Catherine St, Weaman Row Birmingham, who worked 1766 to 1810. This was later adopted as the mark of the Birmingham Proofhouse. It’s somewhat rare to see the proofs this visible, as they are in a high wear area.

The lock plate is full marked with Crown over G.R. mid lock for King George III, with TOWER across the tail. The lock has a swan neck cock, indicating pre-1808 construction, so this is a rifle that was in service during the Napoleonic wars. It has all regulation brass furniture, together with correct issue iron ramrod. Shows use but remains in amazingly tight and clean condition. Action is strong and holds at half cock, firing correctly at full cock, though it requires a strong trigger pull. The lock is quite clean and in great shape. The barrel has some powder burns on the right side by the lock, but is otherwise very nice.

The stock on this example is nothing short of amazing, with a great color only a few areas of damage, and still retaining crisp markings! This includes a Broad Arrow  / BO board of ordnance marking and proof marks behind the side plate. The wrist of the stock is beautifully figured with some very tight tiger striping. Just a beautiful example, one of the best we have ever seen.

Included with this great musket is a correct socket bayonet in very good condition.  It bears a proof mark on the blade, above some faded maker marks, which we are unfortunately unable to decipher. It also has a regimental or rack designation of H / 47 on the side of the socket. It locks nicely onto the front of the musket, and really complete the piece.

This musket is in sparkling condition, complete with a marked bayonet, a beautiful example, correct in all respects and just perfect to be put on display!

Specifications: 

Years of Manufacture: Circa 1796-1805
Caliber: .75″ Musket
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 39 inches
Overall Length: 55.5 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.