April 11-13, 2023 Firearms and Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/12/2023
Revolutionary War Brown Bess muskets with regimental markings are exceedingly rare. The barrel has a faint "53 REGT" on top, towards the breech. The regiment departed Ireland for North America in April 1776 and arrived at Quebec City in May of 1776 The regiment served under Sir Guy Carleton at the Battle of Trois-Rivières in June 1776, then at the Battle of Valcour Island in October 1776. Its flank companies were with General John Burgoyne during the Saratoga campaign. Men from the other eight companies served under Major Christopher Carleton of the 29th Regiment of Foot during Carleton's Raid in 1778 and during the Burning of the Valleys campaign in 1780. Lieutenant Richard Houghton of the 53rd led the Royalton raid in 1780 burning three towns in eastern Vermont. In addition to the regimental markings, the left side of the breech is stamped "*/IW" for James Waller, a setter for the Tower until 1781, according to "The Brown Bess" by Eric Goldstein and Stuart Mowbray. Goldstein also states the the Pattern 1769, produced between 1768 and 1777, is scarce. The Tower proofs are almost completely obliterated due to pitting. The lockplate is engraved with double line borders and "TOWER" at the tail. Center engraved with a large crown over "GR". There is a crown over broad arrow ordnance stamp below the pan. Standard brass Pattern 1769 furniture and walnut stock of classic British form. Relief apron carved around barrel tang, crown over "3" stamped behind trigger guard tang. . Iron ramrod is absent. CONDITION: Barrel retains a dark heavy brown patina, some heavy corrosion at breech. Markings show wear, but are legible, especially under magnification. Lock is in its original flintlock configuration, cock and frizzen screw are modern replacements. Brass shows scattered marks from use and retains a mustard patina. Ramrod entry ferrule tang is bent. Stock shows heavy use with scattered splinters missing, cracks, bruises and old repairs. An important and historic regimentally marked Revolutionary War musket that saw lots of action.
Caliber/Bore
.75 Smoothbore