British India Pattern “Brown Bess” Musket, Early 19th C

Description

This profusely marked example featuring tapering round 39 1/4 in. barrel of .76 caliber with
ring decoration at the breech and Tower ordnance proof marks on the left side of the
breech. Convex lock plate with double line border engraving, the pointed tail stamped
“TOWER” and with a stamped crown over “GR” and crowned broad arrow below the pan.
Walnut full stock, the butt with broad arrow over “BO” Board of Ordnance mark, carved “IX
B”, and the bottom of the stock stamped “EGG” and inspector marks below the trigger
guard and on the left side. Brass furniture of proper form for the pattern, including trigger
guard, butt plate, fore end cap, and ramrod thimbles (middle thimble absent); iron sling
swivels . Later steel ramrod. The stock is mortised for a serpentine side plate, but this
example either issued or reissued without one, as the mortise has period stamped
inspection markings. Some stock stamps appear to be stamped over other markings,
indicating it was likely inspected and reissued during its period of use. Very good condition,
the brass cleaned, barrel and lock with dark patina; the stock sound, with normal handling
marks and one deep gouge behind the barrel tang. Overall length 55″. These muskets
were the standard British infantry musket during the Napoleonic Wars and War of 1812.