May 17, 2022 Early Arms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/17/2022
Napoleon’s planned invasion of the United Kingdom at the start of the War of the Third Coalition, although never carried out, was a major influence on British plans for homeland defense and led to the rebuilding and mobilization of militia units, as well as the formation of a multitude of volunteer corps of horse, foot and artillery naval strategy and the fortification of the coast of southeast England. Britain essentially remained an armed camp, except during brief intervals of peace in Europe, until 1815. The gentlemen who joined such “white glove” infantry corps wanted lighter arms than the heavy Land and India musket patterns furnished the militia and various patterns were produced by British gunmakers to supply the demand. This fine volunteer’s musket is by Robert Wheeler of London and Birmingham (fl. 1800-1815) has a 39" barrel with unmarred .78 bore and bears double-struck Tower private proofs near the breech. Its lock and brass mounts are slighter and the walnut stock less robust than those found with a regulation India pattern musket, lightened for handling by a gentleman-soldier. The edge-engraved, round lock has "TOWER' stamped behind the goose-neck cock and a "(Crown) / GR" struck before, with a flat ‘S’ sideplate of brass opposite the lock. CONDITION: The musket is in very good condition and with all original components, less the front sling swivel (now missing). The metalwork is bright finished and walnut stock in clean, original finish with only few nicks and handling marks in the wood; the lock is in excellent condition, with mechanism in crisp working order. JLK
Caliber/Bore
.74 Smoothbore