Original Item: One of a Kind. The is a fantastic Long Land Pattern Brown Bess Musket dated 1759 with a lock made by the English gun-maker Galton. The most interesting aspects of this musket are the barrel markings, which are stamped on the top with 82 VA REGT and a deeply stamped MADISON, for Madison County, Virginia, along with a worn British proof mark on left side of breech. 

Our research has led to a few possibilities regarding the meaning of these markings:

- British 82nd Regiment of Foot. The 82nd Regiment of Foot was a British army regiment raised for service in the American Revolutionary War. The regiment was raised in Lanarkshire, Scotland on 16 December 1777. It was sent to New York in August 1779 and then to establish and defend New Ireland in June 1779. It was sent to Wilmington, North Carolina in April 1781 and its light company was interned at Yorktown. It was disbanded in 1784. 

- "82" could be a rack or inventory number and unrelated to the VA REGT. This would indicate a Colonial Regiment based out of Madison County Virginia that was mustered and fought during he American Revolution. 

- The 82nd Regiment, Virginia Militia which was formed in the early 19th century and became a regiment in the Confederate Army during the Civil War. The Eighty-second was primarily from Madison County and was under the command of Col. James W. Twyman. As with most of Virginia’s militia regiments, the Eighty-second was called into active service with the state (until regular regiments could be raised for service with the Confederate army) in the summer of 1861. The Eighty-second received its call on July 13, 1861. Four companies, A to D, reported to General P.G.T. Beauregard at Manassas, and were in service from July 17 to August 13, 1861, when the regiment was disbanded. Thus, with the disbandment on August 13.

Regardless, this vintage collectible firearm has a long history in the United States and is well worthy of further research. 

The convex rounded banana shaped lock is fully functional and nicely marked 1759/GALTON along with Crown GR markings and British Board of Ordnance acceptable stamp. The lock finctionas correctly holding on half cock with a strong firing hammer snap at full cock. Features Pattern 1742 brass furniture. Banister rail walnut stock with swell at entry ferrule and carved beavertail around barrel tang. Stock carved with large "R" on left side and with initials ""MB" on opposite side. 

Barrel retains a heavy dark patina with scattered pitting and wear, last 15" towards muzzle have been professionally replaced. Foremost 3 ramrod ferrules are contemporary replacements. Stock shows wear and marks from use, last 21" of fore-stock have been professionally replaced and are well-blended.

Had the repairs and replacement parts not been necessary for the restoration of this musket it would be well over $15,000, here is a chance to have a genuine very scarce State of Virginia marked Brown Bess musket that most certainly saw American use during the Revolutionary War!

Specifications:-

Year of Manufacture: 1759
Caliber: 0.75"
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 46 inches
Overall Length: 61 3/4 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.

IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.

These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.

Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.