May 27, 2020 Founders & Patriots
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/27/2020
According to "The Brown Bess" by Erik Goldstein & Stewart Mowbray, the Liege Short Land muskets are quite scarce and were produced 1778-1783. They saw extensive use and were specifically made for use in North America during the Revolutionary War. The round tapered, 42 inch-long barrel has a visible crown over "GR" proof in the center near the breech and is of 0.78 bore. There is a notched groove extending from the breech into the barrel tang. The rounded lockplate has a double lined border and a single screw behind the cock. "TOWER" is engraved at the tail. In the center there is a large crown over "GR". The government proofs have either been removed intentionally or are no longer visible. Standard brass Pattern 1769 furniture, including a flat sideplate, wrist escutcheon, and the absence of a Pratt improvement. The full length stock is of partially figured walnut and has a beaver tail around the barrel tang, as well as a relief foliate design carved on top of it. The same foliate design is also carved and relief behind the ramrod entry ferrule and in front of the trigger guard finial. This carving was obviously done by an American and is executed in the New England style showing Hudson Valley influence. The borders around the lock and sideplate have also been altered. On the right side of the buttstock there is a clear "GR" storekeeper's stamp as well as a small inspection crown stamped behind the rear trigger guard finial. The musket is complete with a replaced iron ramrod. In addition, the bayonet lug has been trimmed to form a more precise front sight. CONDITION: Barrel retains a light brown spotted patina, with some minor corrosion around the touch hole. Lock is in its original flintlock configuration and markings in center show wear, but are still visible and retains a brown patina with some light pitting. Brass retains a pleasing mustard patina and shows some light marks from use. One ramrod ferrule has a small chip at the opening from a ramrod. Stock is very good, with no replaced wood and only a few scattered age cracks, minor chips, and marks from use. A very interesting and attractive Revolutionary War musket that certainly saw American use.
Caliber/Bore
.79 Smoothbore