Original British Tower Flintlock Short .75cal Musket marked II770 with Saddle Ring and Bar - Circa 1820

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very interesting British Short Musket, fitted with a saddle ring bar and ring. It is not a "carbine", as it is the full regulation 0.75" caliber and looks very much like a short Brown Bess. It has an overall length of 40 inches, with a 24 1/2 inch barrel, and does not look to have seen a large amount of use during its service life.

The lock plate is correctly marked CROWN / GR under the hammer and TOWER on the lock plate tail near the small "teat". It also has a CROWN / DOWNWARD ARROW ordnance "lock viewer's" marking under the flash pan, which is the correct type with a rear shield. The lock features a frizzen support bridle on the pan as well as a ring-necked cock, introduced in 1809 due to the fragility of the earlier "Swan neck" design. The lock is fully functional, holding correct at half stock and firing only at full.

The top of the barrel shows the CROWN / GP "gunmaker's proof" and CROWN / V "viewed" markings from the London Proof house, with G R in between. Next to these is what looks to be II770, or maybe "1770", which matches the marking stamped into the tang of the brass butt plate. We also noted what looks to be a crudely engraved "BOSTON" in the right side of the stock by the lock screws, but this looks to be spurious.

The short is in very good condition, showing only light wear from service, including small dents and dings. The metal fittings show a lovely brown patina of age, with no signs of major oxidation or pitting, just some light peppering due to age. We have left this uncleaned to avoid disturbing the lovely look that it has. The brass fittings all have a lovely mellow patina, and the stock has a great color with strong grain, with no signs of major damage or other issues.

A very interesting British flintlock short musket with a saddle ring, ready to research and display!

Specifications:

Year of Production: Circa 1820
Caliber: .75"
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 24 1/2 inches
Overall Length: 40 inches
Action: Side Action Flintlock
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

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