May 17, 2022 Early Arms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/17/2022
Stockel records two Branders, both in London and likely related, with cumulative working dates of 1752-1801. 2-stage brass barrel with a raised ring approximately 2 - 1/8" behind flared cannon muzzle, which measures approximately 1 - 1/4" across at bell. Engraved "LONDON" over breech, offset view and proof marks. Flat iron lock marked "BRANDER" in center with waterproof pan and swan neck cock. Brass serpentine sideplate. Brass-tipped ramrod, probably the original, retained by a single ferrule and feeding into a reinforced mouth with simple finial. The brass furniture is of the exact military style of a Pattern 1759 Brown Bess musket. Brass trigger guard with orb fore finial, and marked "989.1.116", a museum number. Professionally executed period iron wrist repair inlaid on top of the wrist and conforming to the carving at the end of the comb, where it lays on the wrist. This repair was due to a crack that runs through wrist. Brass buttplate with long topstrap. CONDITION: Very good. There is a triangular 7/8" sliver of wood replaced above the tail of the lock plate. Lock is in its original flintlock configuration, frizzen spring is a later replacement. Brass has a deep untouched mustard coloration with some marks from handling and use, including some burnout around touchhole. Lock is very good with crisp legends and a smooth chocolate patina. Stock is very good, with aforementioned crack at wrist and a period repair, a long sliver (5") missing on right side of forearm with a following grain separation (another 5"), and an extra layer of varnish applied. Action functions as it should, bore is very good with a minimum of oxidation. Frizzen spring replaced. This is a very attractive example of a popular weapon, with an interesting period repair. EMW