November 15 & 16, 2022 Extraordinary Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/15/2022
Pressed with dire need for arms during the Revolution, in August 1775 the Maryland Committee of Safety called for the local production of British land patterned muskets. This example is consistent with the Long Land Pattern muskets, although it has a shorter barrel of 42 - 7/8". The barrel is marked at the breech with 2 encircled "P" proofs and a partially legible "MARYLD", with an additional "10" stamped on the tang. The underside of the barrel is also is inscribed with a somewhat illegible place name, likely Baltimore Town. The flat banana lockplate has beveled edges and is engraved "I. I. BEHR" in the center. Several other Maryland associated arms also bear this mark, with Daniel Hartzler attributing them to John Jacob Behr, who he believes worked in Frederick County. Musket is stocked in the British style in walnut with a large upside down "MARYLAND" in front of the sideplate. Relief beavertail carved around barrel tang in the British fashion. Relief panels around lock and sideplate, as well as a bulbous handrail, as found on Brown Bess muskets. Brass mounted with 4 brass thimbles, trigger guard, centrally retained wrist escutcheon, and butt plate engraved "R B N2". Convex serpentine Long Land Pattern type sideplate. Gun is complete with a period, probably original iron ramrod. It is pictured in Hartzler and Whisker's "Gunsmiths of Maryland", on both the cover and on pgs. 10-11. It is also featured on page 100 of "Maryland Longrifles". CONDITION: Barrel retains a light surface with scattered dark spotting. Lock is in its original flintlock configuration and functions well. Lock has been cleaned and markings appear to be engraved over pitting, suggesting that they may be later additions. Cock probably a period replacement. Brass mounts have a pleasing mellowing patina with a crack present at the trigger guard screw and a missing butt plate screw. Chip to triggerguard bow and front tang slightly differs in color. Ball at back of sideplate is absent. Stock has been cleaned and has a crack at the toe, some splitting under the lock, and a few splits along the forend, with some expected bruises and repaired cracks throughout. An attractive Maryland musket. BAS
Caliber/Bore
.75 Smoothbore
Model
Committee of Safety Style Musket
Paperwork
Book Photo Copies