May 17, 2022 Early Arms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/17/2022
According to Richard Garrett's "Irish Gunmakers" printed in 2008, Michael Rainsford worked at Dublin Castle between 1720 and 1757. He was contracted to make arms for troops in Ireland. This is quite likely one of those muskets. This musket features a 42" tapered round barrel with a bayonet lug mounted on top, towards the muzzle. There are two indistinct proofs on left side of breech. The convex banana lockplate is inscribed "RANSFORD / 1746" at the tail and with a crown over "GR" in the center. Beneath the pan, there is a proof, which appears to be an intertwined "DC", probably for Dublin Castle. Standard Pattern 1742 furniture. Walnut stock stamped behind trigger guard with same intertwined "DC" marking that is on the lockplate. Relief-carved apron around the barrel tang. There are Roman numeral assembly marks behind the sideplate and in the ramrod channel. There is a large exaggerated bulge at the ramrod entry ferrule and was made without a brass nose cap. Complete with its brass-tipped wooden ramrod. CONDITION: Barrel shows pitting throughout and an applied patina. Lock markings are excellent. Lock is in its original flintlock configuration and functions well. Lock retains a smooth grey patina. Brass retains a pleasing mustard patina, some scattered marks from use. Stock shows scattered bruising and marks from use. A very nice early musket. DMG
Caliber/Bore
.75 Smoothbore