Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice Third Pattern Brown Bess with the 39" barrel adopted in 1796, which has a lovely patina of age from long service and repeated cleanings. Also known as the "India Pattern", it was the standard Musket of the line during 1815, the time of the Battle of Waterloo. This example also still retains the "bannister rail" butt stock, a feature that was basically done away with after 1807, as well as the swell to the stock around the lower ramrod pipe. The musket has a full 39" regulation length, .75" smoothbore iron barrel, which is now about 1/4" short, probably having had damaged dents on the muzzle removed. The bore, originally 0.75", now measures about 0.785", so it definitely saw extensive use in service. We can see traces of the original proof marks on the breech end of the barrel, but nothing we can definitively identify.

The lock plate is correctly marked with a worn CROWN over G.R. mid lock for King George III, and TOWER across the tail. There is also what looks to be a worn proof mark under the pan, however we cannot make out what it says due to wear. The lock has a swan neck cock, indicating pre-1808 construction, so this is a rifle that was in service during the Napoleonic wars. It has all regulation brass furniture, together with correct issue iron ramrod. There is a plugged hole in the middle of the side plate, however we see no signs of this being an EIC musket, which would have had a flat side plate, not a raised one like this. The lock action is strong, and correctly holds at half cock, firing at full. We also noted the lock shows a good amount of powder burn near the flash pan, which has had a piece of sheet brass installed to reinforce and protect it. The barrel has a lovely oxidized brown patina of age, showing wear from powder burn near the touch hole, as well as overall wear that has pretty much removed the markings. This is definitely a musket that saw extensive use, and has a great "well worn" look that presents beautifully.

The stock is in good condition, showing wear and past repairs in areas. The butt stock area looks to have suffered moisture and/or woodworm damage in the past, and this was covered with a thin layer of wood filler. We can also see some wood filler repairs around the lock plate, and there is a good graft repair on the left side of the fore stock over lower ramrod pipe. The carved in surround for the barrel tang is now partly removed from wear, and there is a nickel alloy washer screwed in below the tang, probably to reinforce the area. There are also some small rectangular escutcheons installed in various areas on the fore stock. Both sling swivels are present, but may be period replacements, as is the cleaning rod.

A lovely well used example of the Third Model Brown Bess, a worthy addition to any British antique firearms collection! Ready to display!

Specifications:

Years of Manufacture: Circa 1800
Caliber: .75" Musket
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 38 3/4 inches
Overall Length: 54 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.

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.