Original British EIC Windus Pattern Brown Bess Flintlock Musket by John Twigg with Bayonet – Dated 1779 Original Items

Original item: One of a Kind. This is absolutely original and authentic and also Extremely rare. This is a true India Pattern M-1771 Windus Brown Bess, ordered from the London Gun Maker, JOHN FOX TWIGG., complete with an EIC marked socket bayonet. It is dated on the rear of the lock plate 1779. Most East India Company Muskets are dated in the 1790’s and the early 1800’s, which alone makes this rare.

The “Windus” E.I.C. pattern was 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.

Our very rare example has a 38 1/2″ .75 bore barrel, with the correct all brass mounts. The flintlock Mechanism is very faintly marked [TWI]GG with the E.I.C. Heart logo across the lock plates tail dated 1779. The barrel is also marked TWIGG 1779 again with the E.I.C Heart Logo. It also bears the London Proofhouse CROWN / CP black powder proof and CROWN / V viewed marks, as well as a CROWN / IT proof for maker John Fox Twigg (1732-1792).

John Twigg had apprenticed to Irish gunmaker Edward Newton (active 1718-1764), and in 1755 was working on his own at various locations in London. In 1776 he moved to Piccadilly, where he remained until 1790, so this is the location where this fine musket was produced. Of further note, his only son, John, was apprenticed in 1786 to the legendary Henry Nock, and subsequently inherited his father’s business upon his death in 1792.

The musket features a very nice early “Bannister Rail” style stock, with a swell around the lower ramrod pipe. It is in great shape, and is also stamped with the E.I.C. Heart logo on the the right hand side of its original walnut butt stock.

Very early and so well marked on Lock, Stock and Barrel this is so very rare. In really nice complete Collector’s Condition. The lock functions correctly, holding at half cock and firing at full.

Complete with iron ram rod and sling swivels, as well as a lovely socket bayonet. From a great E.I.C Collection to you. Ready to display!

Specifications: 

Years of Manufacture: 1779
Caliber: .75″ Musket
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 38 1/2 inches
Overall Length: 54.25 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.