December 10-13, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/10/2024
In 1809, the “ring-neck” or reinforced cock was introduced to replace the earlier goose-neck form, along with a few other modifications, including a simplified trigger; these minor improvements to the India Pattern musket remained unchanged through the balance of its production period. This was the standard issue arm for most British Army foot soldiers and their Portuguese and German allies during the latter part of the Peninsular War. This example has had its metal parts brightened and stock refinished, but otherwise complete and in very good working order; associated bayonet of correct pattern, bearing Ordnance inspection mark and maker's name 'HILL'. On the triggerguard is original period engraving: "V L B C 2 No. 142", denoting it was the 142nd musket issued to Company 2 of the 5th Line Battalion of the King's German Legion (KGL). The KGL were composed of German troops from George III's principality of Hanover, who had escaped the French after their homeland was overrun in 1805 and considered among the best troops that served the Crown. The 5th BN organized and trained in Ireland, then fought at Copenhagen, Portugal, Spain and France and was part of the occupying force in Belgium at the beginning of the Waterloo campaign. On 18 June 1815, during the Battle of Waterloo, the battalion was nearly wiped out during the fighting in the center of Wellington's battle line, in the wake of the so-called 'crisis'. Around 6 o'clock the Prince of Orange ordered 5th to attack the French infantry, who were pursuing the Allied troops retreating from La Haye Sainte. Its commander had noticed French cavalry nearby and protested the order, but he was told to obey and advanced on the French infantry, who retreated after they gave fire. However, charging through the gunsmoke came a regiment of French cuirassiers, who charged into the flank and rear of the 5th Line BN, who with unloaded muskets, were cut to pieces.