Original British East India Company Windus Pattern Brown Bess Flintlock Officer’s Fusil with Bayonet – c. 1808 Original Items

Original item: One of a Kind. From an old collection in England, this is a truly splendid example of the 1808 Second Model of the East India Company “WINDUS” Pattern Brown Bess. The “Windus” E.I.C. pattern was first introduced in 1771 with a revolutionary 39″ barrel. The British E.I.C. retained a standing army much bigger than that of Great Britain and for years the E.I.C were way ahead on Arms development being a private entity. It was not until 1796 that Great Britain adopted the 39″ version of the Brown Bess and named it “THE INDIA PATTERN” This was the musket that fought through the War of 1812 against the United States and through all the Napoleonic Wars, culminating with the Battle of Waterloo in 1815.

The year 1808 is significant as it was in that year that the British East India Company introduced the “RAMPANT LION” logo found on all the lock mechanisms of their weapons produced thereafter. Gone was the EIC HEART Logo of old. In 1808 they also modified the construction of their line musket to do away with the “Comb” stock and also adopted simpler brass mounts.

Our example is in fact a smaller lightweight musket commonly referred to as a fusil, pronounced back then “fuzee”. This musket is in .69″ bore, the same ball size as an officer’s pistol at the time. Otherwise it is identical to the .75 bore version. These were used so that officer’s did not have to carry two different sizes of ammunition. It still retains the old style mounts and the “Comb” butt stock which dates this musket pretty decidedly to 1808.

The Barrel is marked on the left side with with 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.

In wonderful condition and British made. The stock is in great shape, except for some wood missing near the nose cap on both sides and some old repairs which are very well done and totally sound. The lock functions correctly, holding at half cock and firing at full. This musket comes with its English made socket bayonet, which has a British Proof as well as traces of the original maker name.

A real eye catcher, ready to display!

Specifications: 

Years of Manufacture: c.1808
Caliber: .69″ Musket
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 39 inches
Overall Length: 55 inches
Action: Flintlock
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

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