{"product_id":"original-british-p-1796-india-pattern-third-model-tower-brown-bess-flintlock-musket-dated-1817-documented-usgi-afghanistan-bring-back","title":"Original British P-1796 \"India Pattern\" Third Model Tower Brown Bess Flintlock Musket Dated 1817 - Documented USGI Afghanistan Bring Back","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is a very interesting Third Pattern Brown Bess with the 39\" barrel adopted in 1796, which actually looks to be an East India Company Musket dated \u003cstrong\u003e1817\u003c\/strong\u003e that later had the lock replaced with one from an earlier Military Issued musket. Also known as the \"India Pattern\", it was the standard Musket of the line during 1815, the time of the Battle of Waterloo, though this example was made after that, and has a lovely patina of age, as well as some great characteristics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis example was purchased directly from a Veteran of the War in Afghanistan, who brought this back in 2019, and comes with a printed copy of the original bring back documentation. These old rifles had remained there since the colonial wars of the Victorian era, and in many cases were still well cared for. In some cases they were actually still in use! Many similar old British guns were sent back home during the 2000s by both service members as well as civilians involved in the conflict.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis example has the later style of stock, without the \"bannister rail\" on the top of the butt stock, a feature that was basically done away with after 1807. The musket has a full 39\" regulation length, .75\" smoothbore iron barrel, which looks to have seen extensive use, as the bore at the muzzle now measures 0.795\", well over the original specification. The left side is marked with clear British markings, including the \u003cstrong\u003eCROWN \/ GP\u003c\/strong\u003e gunmaker's proof and \u003cstrong\u003eCROWN \/ V\u003c\/strong\u003e \"viewed\" markings from the London gun company proof house. In between these is a mostly clear \u003cstrong\u003eEIC \"Heart\" logo\u003c\/strong\u003e, so it was definitely a barrel made for EIC service. The very end of the barrel is stamped with an \u003cstrong\u003e1817\u003c\/strong\u003e date. The side plate also has the correct screw in the center, seen almost exclusively on EIC muskets.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe lock plate is an earlier pattern marked with \u003cstrong\u003eCROWN\u003c\/strong\u003e over \u003cstrong\u003eG.R\u003c\/strong\u003e. mid lock for King George III, and \u003cstrong\u003eTOWER\u003c\/strong\u003e across the tail. There is also the \u003cstrong\u003eCROWNED \"Broad Arrow\"\u003c\/strong\u003e Lock Viewer's marking under the flash pan. The lock has a swan neck cock, indicating pre-1808 construction, so it definitely predates the rest of the musket. It has all brass furniture, together with correct issue iron ramrod and both sling swivels still present and easily movable, though they are also quite loose due to how worn out the mounting holes are.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBased on this we would assume that the musket found its way to the region via India, and then saw long use during much of the 19th Century, and possibly into the 20th century. The original lock may have simply worn out, and then was replaced from another lock on hand. which is in great shape, with little wear to the frizzen. We checked the lock action, and it still holds correctly at half cock, firing at full, and the mainspring is strong. Overall condition is very nice, with the barrel polished from repeated external cleaning, and the lock still retaining the original markings very well. The brass fittings have a lovely mellow patina, showing some wear through on the front ramrod pipe due to the sling swivel. The stock is in good shape, though it does show cracks and possible past repairs. It is also finished with a heavy varnish or shellac, which we have left in place to preserve the history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis rifle was brought back from Afghanistan by \u003cstrong\u003eKenneth D. Harris\u003c\/strong\u003e of Vancouver, Washington. It comes with printed copies of the original customs form as well as the bringback \u003cstrong\u003eAFFIDAVIT\u003c\/strong\u003e from \u003cstrong\u003eBagram Airfield\u003c\/strong\u003e, identifying the musket as a \u003cstrong\u003e\"TOWER BROWN BESS MUSKET\"\u003c\/strong\u003e, manufactured in \u003cstrong\u003e1817\u003c\/strong\u003e, with the Serial number \u003cstrong\u003eN\/A\u003c\/strong\u003e as the rifle itself has no serial. The affidavit is signed by Harris and dated \u003cstrong\u003e26 JUN 2019\u003c\/strong\u003e below this. It has additional signatures regarding customs clearance, and a \u003cstrong\u003eCENTCOM\u003c\/strong\u003e preclearance stamp.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn All British \"India Pattern\" Brown Bess Musket which saw long service in the Indian Subcontinent and possible service during the Anglo-Afghan wars, and then stayed behind to be found by a USGI during the 21st century. In lovely condition and ready to display!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYears of Manufacture: Circa 1800\u003cbr\u003eCaliber: .75\" Musket - worn to 0.795\"\u003cbr\u003eAmmunition Type: Lead Ball \u0026amp; Powder\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBarrel Length: 39 inches\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOverall Length: 54 3\/4 inches\u003cbr\u003eAction: Flintlock\u003cbr\u003eFeed System: Muzzle-Loaded\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNOTE: 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45183333990469,"sku":"ONJR26OL0126","price":2495.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/0EEF33C5-FCB6-4B40-87AD-F89F5B79F519.jpg?v=1781902889","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-british-p-1796-india-pattern-third-model-tower-brown-bess-flintlock-musket-dated-1817-documented-usgi-afghanistan-bring-back","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}