M1810 Brown Bess Musket

Here's a musket requiring little introduction. In various guises, the Brown Bess musket served the British empire and it's subjects over a span of 110 years, before being phased out with the introduction of Fulminate percussion caps and rifled bores. This 1810 model of musket is the last of it's line, and was produced at a time when Britain had it's back to the wall during the Napoleonic wars. Designated as a second 'India pattern' musket,the war department settled on this design due to it's relative simplicity and reduced weight, versus some of the previous Land pattern models. The names draws from the design of musket used by the British East India Company at the time, orders for which were diverted for Government supply due to shortages during the Napoleonic war. This particular musket bears the cypher of King George III, and shows a Tower of London proof/inspection stamp to the rear of the lockplate. The lock plate is also stamped with the initials" R&R S", denoting that the lock was made by Ramsey & Richard Sutherland of Birmingham, who had contracts for lock production from 1809 onwards. The barrel has crown & crossed sceptors /Broad arrow / crown over GR proof marks. The back of the lockplate has crown over 22, and "BW" marks. The stock is stamped "Ts", and also bears a soldier's own dot matrix insignia, which appears to contain a crucifix. The piece is in very good condition, without the usual splits to the woodwork. There are some traces of old woodworm, and some minor surface pitting to the barrel. All brass and pins are present and correct, and the vent and bore are clear. The lock springs are excellently strong, with zero freeplay to any of the lock parts. This piece has certainly seen action, having been acquired from France - where it has likely remained for the past 2 centuries. A rare chance to own a truly fascinating relic from the golden days of the British empire.
 
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