Original Item: Only One Available. Made around 1790, this musket was built as a 42" SECOND MODEL BROWN BESS, intended to be fitted with a 42" .75 bore barrel. However, the transition to the soon to follow THIRD MODEL later known as the INDIA PATTERN had already started and this musket was fitted with a 39" barrel. The French Revolution had started and fear of this peasant uprising being exported to England became a serious possibility. Soon sooner had that receded than the rise of Napoleon became the imminent danger which lasted up to 1815.

This musket has the early 2nd Model brass mounts, but with only three ramrod pipes. The Trigger Guard and Butt plate were of the early style, as is the side plate retaining its "Tail" to the rear. It bears no wrist plate or escutcheon and in other respects appears to be a 3rd Model officially adopted in 1796.

The Musket is in great condition bearing the CROWN over G.R. on the lock and TOWER across the lock's tail. The breech end of the barrel bears the correct CROWN / GP "Gunmakers Proof" and CROWN / V "viewed" markings from the Gun Company of London Proofhouse. No doubt hurriedly produced to face what was perceived to be the coming crisis this was either sent to a Coastal Military establishment or to the then very active County Militia to greet the expected Invasion.

The condition is very good, with a lovely patinated appearance on the metalwork. There are some areas of peppering on the barrel, however the markings are still clear and there are not really any signs of major cleaning or restoration on the barrel. The wooden stock has a great polished look from years of cleaning, though there is some cracking and areas of woodworm on the fore stock near the nose cap. The butt stock also has some cracking and degradation near the butt plate.

The musket has had both sling swivels removed, however it still retains the correct ramrod under the barrel. We checked the functionality of the lock, and it functions correctly, holding at half cock and firing at full. The main string is a bit strong, and the lock action slightly stiff.

In very fine condition, a very rare transitional Brown Bess Musket made circa 1790. Ready to display!

Specifications:

Years of Manufacture: Circa 1790
Caliber: .75" Musket
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 38 1/2 inches
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. 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 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.