Original British Tower Marked 3rd Model Brown Bess Musket Converted to Percussion – circa 1796 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. The Nepalese cache purchase of 2003 is truly the gift that keeps on giving, even after almost 20 years! Among other percussion arms we recently unearthed this, a very nice example of a British Third Model Brown Bess, with the 39″ barrel adopted in 1796. It was later converted to Percussion, either before or after service in Nepal, and has been fully cleaned and restored. It still retains the original British markings on both the lock and the barrel, with faded markings on the stock.

Also known as the “India Pattern”, this was the standard Musket of the line during 1815, the time of the Battle of Waterloo. This example has a lovely walnut stock, which still retains the “bannister rail” butt stock, a feature that was basically done away with after 1807. The musket has a full 39 1/2″ regulation length, .75″ smoothbore iron barrel, which bears British Proof Marks, which are still fully clear. These include CROWN / V, the “Viewing” mark, and 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. It’s somewhat rare to see the proofs this visible, as they are in a high wear area.

The lock plate is full marked with Crown over G.R. mid lock for King George III, with TOWER across the tail. The original original cock has been replaced with a percussion hammer, and a very nice cap bolster added on the right hand side. It has all regulation brass furniture, together with correct issue iron ramrod. Shows use but remains in amazingly tight and clean condition. Action is strong and holds at half cock, firing correctly at full cock, though it requires a strong trigger pull. The lock is quite clean and in great shape. The barrel has some light pitting along the woodline, but nothing out of the ordinary for a musket left to sit for well over 100 years.

A very nice percussion converted Third model Brown Bess from the Nepal Cache, ready to add to your collection!

Specifications: 

Years of Manufacture: Circa 1796-1805
Caliber: .75″ Musket
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 39 1/2 inches
Overall Length: 55.5 inches
Action: Flintlock
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

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