Original British Napoleonic P-1796 Third Model Tower Brown Bess Flintlock Musket Marked to the 44th East Essex Regiment of Foot

Original Item: Only One Available. Acquired recently from a private collection, 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" regulation length, .75" smoothbore iron barrel, which still retains a partial CROWN / GR proof mark from the Tower Wharf Ordnance Proofhouse. It also is stamped with 246 and 638, markings which we do not understand, but could be from a collection. There are also some numbers stamped into the left side of the stock.

The lock plate is correctly marked with CROWN over G.R. mid lock for King George III, and TOWER across the tail. There is also the CROWN / BROAD ARROW lock viewer's mark from the ordnance proofhouse. The lock has a swan neck cock, indicating pre-1808 construction, so this is a rifle that was in service during the Napoleonic wars. It has all regulation brass furniture, together with correct issue iron ramrod. 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 has a lovely patina of age, showing some wear from powder burn near the touch hole.

The stock has a lovely color, but definitely does show some wear and age, as well as scattered woodworm holes throughout the stock. We did not however notice any major structural issues, and it still seems solid, despite the worming. The carved surround for the barrel tang is still crisp. Both sling swivels are present and move easily.

The brass side plate plate has a lovely regimental marking, which is still clear:-

44 - REG'T

The 44th regiment was raised by Colonel James Long as James Long's Regiment of Foot in 1741, and then re-designated the 44th Regiment of Foot in 1751. In 1782, most British regiments of foot were given county designations, and the regiment became the 44th (the East Essex) Regiment of Foot, and this was the name it held during the Napoleonic wars.

A lovely example of the Third Model Brown Bess, marked to a regiment that used these muskets extensively during the Napoleonic Wars. Ready to research and display!

Specifications: 

Years of Manufacture: Circa 1800
Caliber: .75" Musket
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 39 inches
Overall Length: 55 1/4 inches
Action: Flintlock
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

Napoleonic Wars Service of the 44th Regiment
The regiment was sent to the West Indies in 1795 for service in the French Revolutionary Wars and took part in the recapture Martinique and Saint Lucia which, following the peace treaty of 1763, had been returned to France, and the attack on Guadeloupe. After returning to England, it took part in the expedition to Egypt in 1800 and fought at the Battle of Alexandria in March 1801 the Siege of Cairo in May 1801 and the Siege of Alexandria in September 1801. It returned home at the end of the year. The regiment was increased in strength to two battalions in 1803.

The 1st battalion embarked for North America in 1814 for service in the War of 1812 and saw action at the Battle of Bladensburg in August 1814, the Battle of North Point in September 1814 and the Battle of New Orleans in January 1815.

Meanwhile the 2nd battalion landed in Portugal in September 1810 and took part in the Battle of Sabugal in April 1811, the Battle of Fuentes de Oñoro in May 1811 and the Siege of Ciudad Rodrigo in January 1812. The battalion went on to fight at the Siege of Badajoz in March 1812. At the Battle of Salamanca in July 1812 Lieutenant William Pearce of the 2nd battalion captured the French Imperial Eagle of the French 62nd Regiment. The battalion also took part in the Siege of Burgos in September 1812 and then returned home in June 1813. The battalion embarked for Holland later in the year and saw action at the Battle of Quatre Bras and the Battle of Waterloo in June 1815.

In really fine overall condition still showing British Proof marks to the barrel having been in a private Museum Collection for over the last 100 years in England. A beauty and ready to display.

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.