May 17, 2022 Early Arms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/17/2022
In 1773, the 23rd Regiment was sent to North America. The light infantry and grenadier companies suffered heavy losses at the Battle of Bunker Hill in June 1775. The 23rd participated in nearly every campaign up to the Siege of Yorktown in September of 1781.At the conclusion to the Battle of Yorktown, they were the only British regiment not to surrender their colors, which were smuggled out by a junior officer. The musket features a 46" full-length Long Land Pattern barrel with engraved three-feather crest and banner with "ICH DIEN" for the 23rd Regiment. The barrel also has Tower proof and view marks stamped on top of the breech. The British Lock is from a Pattern 1756 Carbine, as well as the brass sideplate. Lock is marked "EDGE / 1761" at the tail and has a large engraved British crown over "GR" in the center along with the British ordnance crown over broad arrow, signifying government ownership. The brass trigger guard is also from a British carbine and the back tang is American-modified. The brass British carbine wrist escutcheon is half present and isnscribed "IB / SB". The buttplate tang is from a Long land Pattern Brown Bess, as well as the two center ramrod ferrules. The ramrod entry ferrule and ferrule nearest to the muzzle are from a British carbine. Musket is American-stocked in the British style and has a relief apron carved around barrel tang. The comb was period-modified. Complete with its period-replaced iron ramrod. CONDITION: Barrel retains a brown patina, clear regiment markings, and proof marks. Lock is in its original flintlock configuration and functions properly, retains a grey patina with light cleaning to tail section. Markings show some wear at tail but are still visible. Brass retains a pleasing mustard patina. Old crack repaired long ago on trigger guard. Half of wrist escutcheon is absent and nose cap has been replaced. Stock shows scattered marks from use, age cracks, and splinters missing along forend. A historically important Revolutionary War musket with Regimental markings. PROVENANCE: Tom Grinslade Collection. DMG
Caliber/Bore
.80 caliber smoothbore