Product Description
NAPOLEONIC WARS Era Antique “BROWN BESS” .80 Flintlock Musket
TOWER and CROWN Marked WAR OF 1812 Long Arm
Here we present an antique Brown Bess India Pattern Flintlock Musket Shortened to Carbine length, made in England circa the late 1700s to early 1800s. “Brown Bess” is a nickname of uncertain origin for the British Army’s muzzle-loading smoothbore flintlock Land Pattern Musket and its derivatives. The musket design remained in use for over a hundred years with many incremental changes in its design. Many variations and modifications of the standard pattern musket were created over its long history. These versions include the Long Land Pattern, the Short Land Pattern, the India Pattern, the New Land Pattern Musket, and the Sea Service Musket. The earliest version was the Long Land Pattern of 1722, which came equipped with a 46-inch barrel. It was later found that shortening the barrel did not detract from accuracy but made handling easier, giving rise to the Militia (or Marine) Pattern of 1756 and the Short Land Pattern of 1768, which both had a 42-inch barrel. Another version with a 39-inch barrel was first manufactured for the British East India Company and was eventually adopted by the British Army in 1790 as the India Pattern.
This pattern of Brown Bess is the same that fought Napoleon Bonaparte in numerous iconic battles, as well as the United States and their American Indian Allies during the War of 1812. This pattern may also correctly be called the “India Pattern” since the Honorable East India Company was the entity responsible for this update to the gun that had been around since 1722. When war with France loomed on the horizon, the British Board of Ordnance diverted these muskets from the EIC contract to supply the war effort.
This flintlock musket is typical of thousands produced in Birmingham during the 18th and 19th centuries for export throughout the British Empire. The Royal African Company, established in the late 17th century, supplied muskets in payment for slaves. A gold coin was brought to London by this company and was referred to as a “Guinea”, which in turn became the name for English currency.
The overall condition is good. Weathered gray patina throughout. The action is strong. The bore is smooth, dark and dusty. The rear trigger guard tang has been repaired. The stock shows use and there is a stable split at the toe on the right side, otherwise remains solid.
Own the original! This is a legitimate antique and not a reproduction.
Barrel is 25 inches.
Caliber: .80 Flintlock
Overall condition as seen in photos.
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$2400
#244387