Item Description
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
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.
- This product is available for international shipping.
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 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.
- Not eligible for payment with Paypal or Amazon
