October 30, 2019 The Collection of Steve & Marcy Hench
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/30/2019
The British 10th Regiment of Foot fought at the Battles of Lexington and Concord 1775, the Battle of Bunker Hill, the New York Campaign in the Winter of 1776, the Battle of Germantown, Brandywine, the Battle of Monmouth and the Battle of Rhode Island. In 1778, the 10th returned to England after 19 years service overseas. The musket was found after the Battle of Brandywine, which occurred September 11, 1777 in Pennsylvania. It was found at a location known as Woodward's Corner, which is about 1/2 mile from the battle ground. It was found by Nancy Woodward and descended down in the Woodward family until it was sold at Christie's July, 10 2000 auction in New York as lot 10. General George Washington was defeated at Brandywine by General Howe. The musket itself has a crown over "GR" in the center, near the breech. The left side of the breech is marked "IG" for Joseph Grice. Engraved "10th REG'T" on top in front of breech. The tang is marked with the crown as well. The lock is a transitional Pattern 1777 lock, probably replaced during the period of use. The rounded face is engraved "TOWER" at the tail and in the center with a large crown over "GR". A small crown over a broad arrow is stamped beneath the pan, denoting British government ownership. Standard Pattern 1756 brass furniture, wrist escutcheon marked with indistinct markings. Full-length walnut stock with classic Brown Bess bulge at ramrod entry ferrule. Stock stamped with ordnance mark on right side of buttstock and crown stamp behind rear trigger guard tang. Stamped "ED" behind sideplate. Replaced iron sling swivels. Complete with original iron ramrod. CONDITION: In "as found" and untouched condition. Dry dark surfaces overall. Barrel retains a dark patina and markings show wear, but are clearly visible. Some corrosion at breech and touch hole has been rebutted during the period. Lock retains a matching heavy dark brown patina, frizzen has been re-lined during the period and now shows some losses from heavy use. Cock is a replacement utilizing an original and correct cock, cock screw replaced as well. Frizzen spring is a period replacement. Brass retains a dark unpolished patina, showing some scattered marks from use. Stock shows a dry original surface with scattered cracks, losses along barrel on forend, and wear. A period break and repair using two iron pins is evident in front of lock. An extremely historic and important First Model Brown Bess with a solid provenance to an early American family. Family letters about the musket, photos of the original home where it was kept, and of photos of some early descendants are included. One letter is dated January 11, 1900 and gives a detailed hand-written account of how the musket was found, hidden, and passed down. It is signed by John M. Woodward. There is also a letter at the time the rifle was consigned to Christie's discussing the descent through the family. Also, a copy of "Brandywine Battlefield Park
Pennsylvania Trail of History Guide, is included along with the Christie's catalog where the musket sold in 2000. PROVENANCE: Nancy Woodward to son Thron Woodward to his son Jonathan J. Woodward to Samual Pennock Woodward to George P. Woodward to Samuel O. Woodward to his son Merlin Lee and grandson Samuel Lee. Sold as Lot 10 in Christie's Auction on Monday, July 10, 2000 win New York, New York.
Caliber/Bore
.75 Smoothbore
Model
First Model Pattern 1756 Long Land Brown Bess