Original British East India Company Naval Flintlock Musket by T&C Ashton Marked to East Indiaman DUKE OF SUSSEX with Matched Bayonet – circa 1820 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. Here we have a fantastic offering from the British Colonial Period, and East India Company Naval “Brown Bess” Flintlock Musket, intended for sea service, complete with its original number matched bayonet. With a 36 1/2 inch .75 caliber barrel and overall length of 52 1/2, it conforms to the Sea Service Pattern in use 1778–1854 by the British Military, though it is about an inch shorter, probably due to the usual manufacturing variations of the time.

When on use at sea, it was very common for the name of the ship to be added to the muskets in use, to prevent them from being “lost” or otherwise misplaced, and this one is marked DUKE – OF – SUSSEX on the top of the barrel. Research indicates that this vessel was an East Indiaman merchant vessel, built by Thames Shipbuilding Co and launched 14 Dec 1826. The principal owner was Stewart Marjoribanks, and she made four voyages to the East, stopping at China on the first, and then Bombay and China on the three subsequent voyages. At this point she was nearly ten years old, and did not see any further voyages, being sold for break up in 1839. For more detailed information please see this lovely entry at the Three Deck’s website: East Indiaman Duke of Sussex.

This lovely musket and bayonet were most likely already in service when the ship was being built, and then later put on board when she put to see. The lock plate is marked by maker T & C / ASHTON, with an inspection proof under the flash pan. As this is a commercial musket, there are not any royal proofs or tower markings on the lock plate or barrel. The lock is fully functional, holding at half cock and firing at full, and has the correct frizzen reinforcement bridle on the flash pan, which has a flash guard to the rear as well. There are other markings on the barrel near the breech, including the correct CROWN / GP “Gunmaker’s proof” and CROWN / V ” Viewed markings from the London Gun Company proof house. There are other proofs as well, which could indicate the maker of the barrel. We unfortunately not able to locate much on the maker, and leave that is a great future research opportunity.

The musket has all brass fittings, as is correct for a Sea Service musket, and the side plate has the correct screw in the center, seen almost exclusively on EIC muskets. The butt plate is flat bent brass, and there are two ramrod pipes along with the throat holding the ramrod in place. The sturdy stock is in lovely condition, having been varnished long ago, and is the later type without a “bannister rail” stock. It does however have the characteristic swell to the stock near the ramrod throat. There are no sling swivels fitted, as the musket is for sea service. The butt plate has a 31 marking on it, most likely the rack number.

The included bayonet is also marked with rack number 31 on the socket, and is really a lovely example of a standard early 19th century musket bayonet. It is marked on the ricasso by makers OSBORN & GUNBY, who are listed as “sword cutler’s to his majesty”, and were a partnership that lasted until approximately 1820. It is in very good condition with a lovely patina, and quite sturdy. It fits the barrel well, and definitely requires a bit of wiggling to get it to fit right.

A truly lovely offering of a rare EIC Naval Flintlock musket, complete with a matching bayonet and in lovely well-preserved condition. Full of research potential, this musket and bayonet are ready to display!

Specifications (Musket):-

Year of Manufacture: circa 1820
Caliber: .75 inches
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder with Percussion Cap
Barrel Length: 36 1/2 inches
Overall Length: 52 1/2 inches
Action: Side Action Percussion Lock
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

Specifications (Bayonet):-

Blade Length: 16″
Socket Length: 4″
Blade Style: Triangular
Overall length: 21“

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.