Original British Napoleonic Era P-1796 Third Model Tower Brown Bess Flintlock Musket with Original Plum Finish on Barrel

Original Item: Only One Available. Acquired recently from a large military show, this is a lovely third Pattern Brown Bess, with the 39" barrel adopted in 1796. 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. The musket has a full 39 3/4" length, .75" smoothbore iron barrel, which is just a bit above regulation, but not out of the ordinary.

The lock plate is correctly marked with TOWER across the tail, however there is no "G.R" under the CROWN, so it may have been a private purchase or export example. There is a JRC inspector marking under the flash pan, which we are not familiar with. The lock has a ring neck cock, indicating post-1808 construction, one of many improvements made during the course of the Napoleonic wars. It is also equipped with the frizzen support bridle on the pan, and two screws behind the lock, both late 18th Century improvements to the design. The breech of the barrel bears the CROWN / CROSSED SCEPTERS / BPC "proof" and CROWN / CROSSED SCEPTERS / V "viewed" marks from the English city of Birmingham on the top near the breech, which began to be used circa 1813 for Black Powder Arms. We can also see the letters RC between them, possibly related to the marking on the lock plate.

It has all regulation brass furniture, including three ramrod pipes, together an iron ramrod that looks to be a period replacement. Shows use but remains in amazingly tight and clean condition. Action is strong and holds at half cock, firing correctly at full cock. The lock is quite clean and in very good shape. The barrel does not show extensive wear from use and cleaning, and actually still retains much of the original "plum" browned finish that these were originally made with.

The stock has a lovely color, showing only light damage from wear and age. There are some cracks around the lock plate, which are very common, and there are the expected dents, dings, and small gouges that service weapons acquire when used. We do not see any major repairs or alterations, and it still retains the early style "swell" around the first ramrod pipe. The wood has a lovely color and polished glow that would look fantastic under any type of lighting. The carved surround for the barrel tang is still crisp. Both sling swivels are still present and move easily.

A lovely example of the Third Model Brown Bess, the standard musket of the line during the end of the Napoleonic Wars, including the Battle of Waterloo, where Napoleon met his final defeat. Ready to research and display!

Specifications:

Years of Manufacture: Circa 1812
Caliber: .75" Musket
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 39 3/4 inches
Overall Length: 55 3/8 inches
Action: Flintlock
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

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