GUN FALL 2017
The live portion of this session begins on Tuesday, October 31, 2017.
RARE AND FINE REGIMENTALLY MARKED 1ST MODEL BROWN BESS MUSKET.BROWN BESS1ST MODELNSN78Cal. 78. 46" bbl. Breech has inspection and initials "FG" with broad arrow proof. Engraved on top of bbl "Po Dn Ms"(Portsmouth Division of Marines). The Royal Marines were founded in 1764 in 3 divisions, Chatham, Portsmouth, and Plymouth. During the American Revolutionary War, John Pitcairn commanded the 300 Marines at battle of Bunker Hill where he was killed and was buried at Old North Church in Boston. Lock marked with "crown" over "GR" and broad arrow under pan and behind the cock is "GRICE" and "1758" in 2-lines. Gun is in beautiful "as found" condition with rich patina to the brass mounts. Iron is dark with good markings. Full length stock with four pipes and correct ramrod. Stock is exceptionally nice, still retaining British storekeeper markings. This is a rare long land pattern Bess that was made at the time of the French and Indian Wars and continued to be used through the Revolutionary War and so rare in that it could have been at Bunker Hill where the Royal Marines in front of the action. Bess' in this condition, of this era, are even difficult to find in England. PROVENANCE: Collection of Robert Roughton. CONDITION: Very good overall. Gun appears complete and orig, though lock components appear added with smoother surfaces than bbl and lock. Gun was not dis-assembled for further inspection but the fit shows that all major components appear orig to gun. Stock is sound and solid with hand worn patina, cosmetic blemishes do not affect the overall aesthetics with hand worn patina. There are small six sets of three initials "GRT" in right buttstock behind storekeeper marks that unknown meaning to this cataloger but have been there since the time of use as patina and wood surfaces are the same. Brass components have a dark mustard/olive patina with rack numbers engraved on top of buttplate; thumbplate is blank. 52328-47 JS (6,500-9,500)