Original British Royal Artillery 10th Battery Marked Napoleonic P-1796 Third Model Tower Brown Bess Flintlock Musket

Original Item: Only One Available. Acquired years ago at an auction in England, 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, as well as the swell to the stock around the lower ramrod pipe. The musket has a full 39" regulation length, .75" smoothbore iron barrel, which still retains a faint CROWN / GR / DOWNWARD ARROW marking over a CROWN / CROSSED SCEPTERS marking, indicating Pre-1813 military inspection at the Ordnance Proof house on Tower Wharf, close to the Tower of London. There is also an RE stamp on the left side of the breech.

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, as well as overall wear that has made the original markings faint.

The stock has a lovely color, but definitely does show some wear and age, however we did not notice any major structural issues. There are some cracks in the usual areas, but no major structural damage. We did notice a split on the left wood line, which was stabilized long ado with a brass nail. 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:-

R'L ARTIL'Y    10 - B

The Royal Regiment of Artillery has a history dating back to 1716, and today is made up of multiple different regiments, however this was not the case during the Napoleonic Wars, where it was involved in all major campaigns. The markings on this barrel indicate that it was issued to the 10th Battery, which was the main unit of the regiment during this time.

A lovely example of the Third Model Brown Bess, marked to the Royal Artillery who did not use these in large numbers at all, so every example is quite rare. Ready to research and display!

Specifications: 

Years of Manufacture: Circa 1800
Caliber: .75" Musket
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 39 3/4 inches
Overall Length: 55 1/2 inches
Action: Flintlock
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

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