October 30, 2019 The Collection of Steve & Marcy Hench
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/30/2019
The thumbplate is marked with a small "D / 33 / I / 20", these markings were applied by the regiment. This 33rd Regiment musket is number 20 of Company I. These markings were believed to have been applied by the regiment. The 33rd Regiment of Foot fought at the Battle of Sullivan's Island, Charleston, SC in 1776. They were also involved in the battles of Long Island and Harlem Heights in New York during this year. The regiment was also involved in the battle and capture of Fort Washington. In 1777, they participated in the battle of Brandywine as well as the battles of Germantown and White Marsh in the Philadelphia Campaign. By 1778 they were engaged in the battle of Monmouth, New Jersey and helped defend Newport and Quaker Hill. During the year 1780 the 33rd took part in the Siege of Charleston, SC, which resulted in the surrender of American General Benjamin Lincoln and his American forces. The 33rd also participated at the Battle of Camden, which resulted in a British victory. In 1781 they fought with General Cornwallis at the battle for Guilford, eventually surrendering to the American and French forces at the battle of Yorktown. The round, tapered, smoothbore barrel has both the British proof and view marks, and bayonet stud. There are also two faint maker's initials at the breech. Barrel appears to be faintly marked "38" and possibly "REGT". The flintlock plate is marked with "(Crown) / GR" and a faint broad arrow and crown, denoting Government ownership. CONDITION: The barrel displays heavy corrosion at the breech and pan as well as moderate corrosion on lockplate below pan. A small section at the muzzle has been professionally restored. The two screws securing lock appear to be replacements, as well as the sideplate. Brass retains a light mustard patina with scattered marks from use. There is a small chip of wood replaced behind the breech tang, a minor piece below the lockplate, and about 11-1/4" professionally replaced at forend, including endcap and last two ferrules. The full stock reflects the normal wear and usage of a period musket, there is a crack at the front of the brass sideplate as well as a minor crack at the front of the brass trigger guard. The wrist shows a professionally repaired crack. Iron ramrod may be a contemporary replacement. Overall, this is a nice example of a rare Revolutionary War musket marked to an important unit that fought in some of the most important battles of the war. PROVENANCE: With a letter from the original family, located on the Massachusetts Cape.
Caliber/Bore
.80 Smoothbore
Manufacturer
Dublin Castle
Model
Second Model Short Land Brown Bess