Original British Napoleonic 3rd Model P-1796 Tower Brown Bess Flintlock Musket Marked to the Pool of London – dated 1800 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a fine example of a British Third Model Brown Bess, with the 39″ barrel adopted in 1796. Also known as the “India Pattern”, it was the standard Musket of the line during 1815, the time of the Battle of Waterloo. This is a nice early example, with a Birmingham Crowned Crossed Scepters proof on the right side of the butt stock, over a date of 1800. It has the lovely swell near the lower ramrod pipe and “bannister rail” stock only seen on the early third patterns. These features were essentially done away with after 1807.

The musket has a full 39″ regulation length, .75″ smoothbore iron barrel& bearing British Proof Marks, which are still fully clear. These include the CROWN / GR royal cypher, and the CROWN / 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 still visible, as they are in a high wear area.

The lock plate is full marked with CROWN / G.R. mid lock for King George III, with TOWER across the tail. Under the flash pan is the correct CROWN / BROAD ARROW “Lock Viewer’s Mark”. 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. The lock is functional, however due to a worn tumbler or sear it is able to fire at half cock with a strong trigger pull.

The top of the barrel on this lovely musket is marked POOL of LONDON, and it has a Broad Arrow / B.O. Board of Ordnance marking, indicating that this musket was in service for home defense, possibly after military service. The “Pool of London” is the area of the Thames river harbor near the EAST END and WEST Docks, where massive cargoes were unloaded and reloaded every day of the year. Endless shipments of Tea from India, Cotton from the U.S., Wool from New Zealand, and raw materials from around the world passed through this area, which became the cross roads of the British Empire.

The butt stock is also stamped R. MARTIN on the right side, possibly possibly a massive warehouse complex or maybe the patrol officer it was issued to. It also has H / 30 on the butt plate tang, a rack number, or possibly an earlier regimental designation during military service. There are other markings of interest on the stock as well, some almost too faded to read. There is of course the usual denting and scratching from wear, expected on a musket that has seen real service. The sling swivels are both still present and fully functional, though the lower has a repair.

A really nice and tight Flintlock musket that patrolled the heart of Britain’s commercial empire! Ready to display!

Specifications:

Years of Manufacture: 1800
Caliber: .75″ Musket
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 39.5 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. International customers should always consult their country’s antique gun laws prior to ordering.