Original British Transitional 2nd – 3rd Model Brown Bess Flintlock Musket with Tower marked Lock – circa 1790 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. Made around 1790, this musket was built as a 42″ SECOND MODEL BROWN BESS, intended to be fitted with a 42″ .75 bore barrel. However, the transition to the soon to follow THIRD MODEL later known as the INDIA PATTERN had already started and this musket was fitted with a 39″ barrel. The French Revolution had started and fear of this peasant uprising being exported to England became a serious possibility. Soon sooner had that receded than the rise of Napoleon became the imminent danger which lasted up to 1815.

This musket has the early 2nd Model brass mounts, but with only three ramrod pipes. The Trigger Guard and Butt plate were of the early style, as is the side plate retaining its “Tail” to the rear. It bears no wrist plate or escutcheon and in other respects appears to be a 3rd Model officially adopted in 1796.

The Musket is in great condition bearing the CROWN over G.R. on the lock and TOWER across the lock’s tail. The breech end of the barrel bears the correct CROWN / GP “Gunmakers Proof” and CROWN / V “viewed” markings from the Gun Company of London Proofhouse. No doubt hurriedly produced to face what was perceived to be the coming crisis this was either sent to a Coastal Military establishment or to the then very active County Militia to greet the expected Invasion.

The condition is very good, with a lovely patinated appearance on the metalwork. There are some areas of peppering on the barrel, however the markings are still clear and there are not really any signs of major cleaning or restoration on the barrel. The wooden stock has a great polished look from years of cleaning, though there is some cracking and areas of woodworm on the fore stock near the nose cap. The butt stock also has some cracking and degradation near the butt plate.

The musket has had both sling swivels removed, however it still retains the correct ramrod under the barrel. We checked the functionality of the lock, and it functions correctly, holding at half cock and firing at full. The main string is a bit strong, and the lock action slightly stiff.

In very fine condition, a very rare transitional Brown Bess Musket made circa 1790. Ready to display!

Specifications:

Years of Manufacture: Circa 1790
Caliber: .75″ Musket
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 38 1/2 inches
Overall Length: 54 inches
Action: Flintlock
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

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