Item:
ON12630

Original Revolutionary War Era British P-1765 Officer's .65 Flintlock Fusil by Thomas Galton of London - circa 1770

Item Description

Original item: Only One Available. These are very rare and often overlooked. Issued to Officers and N.C.O.'s (Non Commissioned Officers), these reduced bore "Light" Brown Bess Muskets were often referred to as "Fusils". They were made in .65 Caliber, which was the bore of an Officers or N.C.O.'s pistol rather than the bigger Other Ranks (Privates), who carried .75 caliber Muskets. This simplified things for the Officers, as they only needed to carry one type of ammunition.

This is an excellent Officer's Private Purchase Fusil, which best corresponds to the Pattern 1765 musket, with a "tailed" brass side plate. It is marked GALTON on the lock plate tail, for Gunsmith Thomas Galton, who operated from 1750 to 1795 in London. As there is no date on the lock plate, it was made after 1765, when the use of dated locks was ended. We estimate it was made around 1770, and definitely has a good possibility of having been used during the U.S. Revolutionary War.

The lock plate is also marked with a CROWN over G.R., indicating official Military Issue under King George III, who reigned from 1760 until 1820. The lock plate also has the standard "Lock Viewer's Mark" under the pan. The breech end of the barrel is marked with London in Gothic letters, and also bears the CROWN / CROSSED SCEPTERS proof marks of Birmingham, England. The hammer has an early pattern "leaf back" style top jaw support, which is very well executed. We tested the lock, and it holds correctly at full cock, firing at full, though it is a bit stiff.

The fusil has all brass fittings, with three ramrod pipes and a nice escutcheon on the back of the wrist. The stock is a lovely dark brown color, showing a few repairs in areas. It has a full length wooden ramrod with a nickel silver fitted tip, though the rod may be a working life replacement. The front and rear sling swivels are unfortunately both missing.

Very elegant and clearly a fusil made for an officer who also carried a pistol in the same .65" caliber. Most likely carried in the revolutionary war. Very Very rare and ready to add to your collection!

Specifications: 

Years of Manufacture: Circa 1790
Caliber: .65" Pistol
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Overall Length: 54 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.

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