GUN FALL 2015
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/5/2015
VERY RARE 71ST REGIMENT MARKED REVOLUTIONARY WAR BROWN BESS MUSKET. BROWN BESS 1768 MUSKET NSN 70 Cal. 70. This very rare early 2nd Model Brown Bess Short Land pattern musket has correct and well discerned engraved bbl markings "71 REGT 2DB". This musket conforms to the earliest 2nd Model land patterns without Pratt's improvements and early lock configuration with single screw behind hammer. George Moller, on pages 223-226 in his monumental text American Military Shoulder Arms Vol. 1 Colonial and Revolutionary War Arms states this configuration was made starting 1768 til about 1777. George Neumann in a 2001 article in American Rifleman magazine The Redcoats Brown Bess shows a nearly identically marked Short Land pattern. Neumann states: "Impressed by its experience with the Marine or Militia design, the Board of Ordnance approved a similar pattern during 1768 for issue beginning in 1769 as the new standard infantry arm. It adopted the shorter 42" (.75 cal.) bbl length as well as the flat side plate and reduced butt tang (no top screw), yet kept the straight double-bridled lock, steel ramrod, cast nose cap, escutcheon, four rammer pipes and hazelnut trigger guard of the 1756 Long Land (pattern). Limited production of Long Land muskets would continue for specific units until 1790. This new Short Land arm was issued gradually as earlier inventories were depleted. The regulation bayonet (4" socket; 17" blade) continued. The example shown is marked on the barrel, "71 REGT 1TB," for Fraser's 71st (Highland) Regiment of Foot (1775-1783)". The 71st Highland Regiment of Foot was a regiment of infantry raised in 1775, during the American Revolution. The unit served in both the Northern and Southern Campaigns, and participated in many major battles including the Battle of Long Island (1776), the Battle of Brandywine (1777), Capture of Savannah(1778), Battle of Briar Creek (1779), the Siege of Savannah (1779), the Siege of Charleston (1780), the Battle of Camden (1780), Guilford Courthouse (1781), and the Battle of Yorktown (1781). The regiment was disbanded at the end of hostilities in 1783. This very rare Revolutionary War used musket is accompanied by an orig Brown Bess bayonet and a Bicentennial era 71st Regiment uniform coat, sash and cartridge box with a facsimile 71st Regiment boxplate and facsimile 71st regimental buttons. CONDITION: Very good overall with good discernible bbl and lock markings. External lock parts are reproductions when reconverted for use during living history events. Otherwise gun is orig with exception of added sling swivels and ramrod. Gun conforms to other Short Land patterns with 41-3/4" bbl measuring 57-1/4" overall. Lock markings are correct with "GR" cypher and broad arrow proof, along with correct bbl inspection marks and configuration of mounts. 49591-1 JS (8,000-12,000)