REVOLUTIONARY WAR PERIOD 2nd MODEL BROWN BESS

The Second Model Brown Bess was the workhorse of the British army during the American Revolution. This interesting Bess has three unit markings which gives one clues to its history as well as alterations which point to American patriot capture and use subsequent to its distribution to a British army (Tory) unit. According to Dr.DeWitt Bailey, Britain procurred upwards of a hundred thousand Liege made Brown Bess muskets to be used primarily by Loyalist units in the American Revolution. The first known documented purchase by Britain of Liege made Bess' was in 1778 and this musket was likely from that purchase. However, it is also likely that purchases were made before and after that date. American usage and alterations include a small "v" stamped near the butt which is an American arsenal inspection mark, a scooped comb which facilitate the American habit of "aiming" their muskets as opposed to the British method of mass "pointing" their muskets. In addition, this musket was fitted with a rear sight further illustrating the American patriot penchant for "aiming" the musket. This musket has a pattern 1755 lock with an exposed single screw end behind the cock, and a circa 1777 tapered second ramrod ferrule, sometime called a "Pratt improvement". Unit markings: Engraved on both the brass escutcheon and the iron barrel tang is "G / 62", i.e. Company G over its rack number of 62. These two engraved markings I believe reflect its original British markings of designated company and rack number.  The brass butt plate finial has "X LI" engraved on it, which I believe stand for 10th Light Infantry, and American unit from Massachusetts. This musket is fitted with a full walnut stock and measures 58 inches overall with a 42 inch round .75 caliber barrel with "IG" stamped in a cartouche near the breech who was the barrel maker Jean Gosvin as well as standard British proofs.

Refrences:  1). "Small Arms of British Forces in America 1664-1815 by De Witt Bailey; 2). "Muskets of the Revolution" by Bill Ahearn; 3). "British Military Long Arms in Colonial America" by Bill Ahearn & Bob Nittolo. 4). "Continental Arsenal Marks and Stamps" by Rex Kessler; 5). "The Brown Bess" by Goldstein & Mowbray.

Condition:  Fair. Stable crack through the wrist. Original lock reconverted back to flint. Lock gets stuck on half cock. There is a 1/4" chip behind the barrel tang as well as a 1/4"x1/4" chip missing behind the brass wrist plate, and wood chipped above the tail of lock (see pics). The  rear trigger guard strap is cracked where the through-bolt passes from the trigger guard strap through the wrist to fasten the escutcheon plate.