May 27, 2020 Founders & Patriots
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/27/2020
According to "The Brown Bess" by Erik Goldstein & Stewart Mowbray these muskets are scarce. It was produced between 1777-1782. The round tapered barrel has a bayonet lug mounted on top near the muzzle and Tower proofs on top near the breech. The rounded lockplate has a double lined border and is inscribed "TOWER" at the tail. The markings in the center including the crown "GR" and British ordnance crown with a broad arrow were intentionally removed during the period of use, possibly after American capture. The top jaw and top jaw screw are also period American made replacements. The brass furniture is standard Pattern 1777 Second Model including the second ramrod ferrule from the muzzle, which is trumpeted reflecting the Pratt improvement. The brass wrist escutcheon is engraved with rack number "B/74". The stock is a familiar British form and is stamped behind the rear trigger guard finial with a crown and a "C". The right side of the buttstock is stamped with a storekeeper's mark and appears to have an indistinct date. CONDITION: The musket is completely as found with undisturbed patinas on all surfaces. The barrel retains a heavy brown patina, showing some minor corrosion near touch hole and breech. Markings are worn, but still visible. The breech has become seperated from the barrel tang and is raised about 1/8" with evidence of a period brass weld repair which has not held up to time. The lock is in its original flintlock configuration and functions properly, and retains a dark patina with some light freckling. Cock screw is a period American replacement, and part of post was broken off during period of use. Brass retains a dark unpolished patina. Stock shows scattered marks from use including a chip behind the barrel tang, some chipping around the barrel pins, and other minor hairline cracks. Complete with its original iron ramrod. An attractive American altered Revolutionary War musket in untouched condition.
Caliber/Bore
.79 Smothbore
Manufacturer
Tower Brown Bess