Original British Napoleonic Era Officer’s Private Purchase .69” Flintlock Fusil by Sharpe of London – circa 1815 Original Items

Original item: Only One Available. Here we have a very interesting Officer’s PRIVATE PURCHASE 0.69″ smooth bore fusil, dating to around 1800 that was later converted to the Percussion cap system. It is marked relatively clearly on the lock by SHARPE, a known British maker from London, who worked approximately 1800 to 1840. The fusil is approximately 55 1/4 inches in length, with a 40 inch long barrel, and definitely could have had a double purpose as a 14 bore fowling piece.

Privately purchased by an Officer, the grip still shows strong checkering, and all the brass mounts are like those of a third model Brown Bess, but smaller in size due to shooting only a fusil size ball. The barrel is marked with the CROWN / CROSSED SCEPTERS / V “viewed” and CROWN / CROSSED SCEPTERS / B P C “proof” markings from the gun company of Birmingham, in use from about 1810 onward. It was very common for barrels to be subcontracted out to Birmingham, even if the maker is based in London. Officers, who had to buy their own weapons often carried these light Fusils since the caliber matched their flintlock pistol sidearms, which ranged in caliber from .60″ to .70″.

The original stock is in lovely condition, with a great color and no major damage that we can see. It only has a bit of the iconic “swell” around the lower ramrod pipe from the early Brown Bess designs, though it does have an early style butt stock, and features an original ramrod still stored under the barrel. We have checked the lock mechanics, and it does function, however it does not hold at half cock. It is not currently equipped with sling swivels, and does not look like it ever had any.

A very nice private purchase example of a British Officer’s private purchase Fusil, which possibly saw use in the Napoleonic wars. Ready to research and display!

Specifications: 

Years of Manufacture: Circa 1815
Caliber: .69″
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 40 inches
Overall Length: 55 1/4 inches
Action: Flintlock
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

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