Original English Manufactured Model F Style Percussion Musket by Manton & Co. – Circa 1850 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. Approved on April 2, 1845 was the Model F the 6th and final smoothbore Brown Bess style East India Company Musket made in percussion. The flintlock Brown Bess style musket had been obsoleted in the late 1830s and the percussion version introduced. What followed in the 1850s was the rifle musket in the smaller .577 caliber whose paper cartridges were finished in a waxy fat compound that the Sepoy troops interpreted as being derived from cows or pigs either way breaking both Hindu and Muslim religious beliefs. This led to the Indian Mutiny of 1857-1859 that led to the East India Company ceding control of India to the British Government.

This MANTON made Musket was made in England, has an English Birmingham proofed barrel (39″) and is marked on the lock:

MANTON & CO.

LONDON & CALCUTTA

Joseph Manton and Sons were one of London’s foremost Gun Makers that opened in 1795 and ceased trading in 1877. This musket differs from the standard company Model F musket only with the fact that the ramrod pipes are devoid of the usual turnings and appear quite plain. These were from a special contract but the intended end use destination has been lost to history. This is a particularly fine example is one of the very few we found included in the large number of East India Company weapons we received from the old palace of Lagan Silikhana in Kathmandu, Nepal back in 2003.

These were the best of the E.I.C. Percussion Musket series and this example is quite nice. It is overall solid, with a great patina, and fully functional lock. The cleaning rod is still present, though the rear sight and front sling swivel are unfortunately absent.

Fully cleaned and ready to display!

Specifications: 

Year of Manufacture: circa 1850
Caliber: .75 inches
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder with Percussion Cap
Barrel Length: 39 inches 
Overall Length: 55 inches
Action: Side Action Percussion Lock
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.