Original British Third Model Brown Bess Officer’s Flintlock Fusil Marked to the 30th Regiment of Foot Original Items

Original item: Only One Available. These are very rare and often overlooked. Issued to Officers and N.C.O.’s (Non Commissioned Officers), these reduced bore “Light” Brown Bess Muskets were often referred to as “Fusils”. They were made in .65 Caliber, which was the bore of an Officers or N.C.O.’s pistol rather than the bigger Other Ranks (Privates), who carried .75 caliber Muskets. This simplified things for the Officers, as they only needed to carry one type of ammunition. Dating probably from the 1790’s however it could be earlier, this musket is considered a 3rd Model Brown Bess.

This example is marked with a CROWN over G.R. and TOWER across the tail of the lock together with a crisp Inspector’s V (viewed) stamp. There is also a 14 stamped into the barrel by the proof marks, which may indicate the bore size. The trigger guard bow is marked B / 14 as a rack or unit number, and the 37″ barrel is marked XXX REGT for the 30th Regiment of Foot.

The 30th Regiment of Foot was raised in 1702 as LORD CASTLETON’S REGIMENT OF FOOT. It fought in the War of Austrian Succession in the
1740’s. The French and Indian Warr of 1756-1763, It arrived in Charleston, South Carolina in 1781 at the close of the Revolutionary War. In 1782 all regiments of the line without a royal title were given a county designation and the regiment became the 30th (Cambridgeshire) Regiment of Foot.

It served in Wellington’s Peninsular Campaign, 1809 to 1812 and at the Battle of BADAJOZ took drastic loses, 6 Officer’s and nearly 150 Enlisted men. It fought at QUATRE BRAS and at the BATTLE OF WATERLOO in 1815 where together with the 73rd Regiment they formed Square to repel the French heavy Cavalry. A glorious history.

In lovely condition, this Fusil features a full length figured stock, and is in choice condition. ready to display.

Specifications: 

Years of Manufacture: Circa 1790
Caliber: .65″ Pistol
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Overall Length: 54 inches
Action: Flintlock
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

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