LOT #57161 |
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British 1st/2d Model "Brown Bess" Musket Dated 1746 on the Lock and Bearing the Cypher of the Royal Irish Regiment, 18th Foot,...
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Sold on Dec 12, 2009 for:
$2,390.00
Bid Source: Live: Phone bidder
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Description
British 1st/2d Model "Brown Bess" Musket Dated 1746 on the Lock and Bearing the Cypher of the Royal Irish Regiment, 18th Foot, on the Barrel. Although the gun exhibits considerable restoration, few regiments saw more colonial service than the 18th Foot. The regiment was ordered to America in 1767, being garrisoned at various points in Illinois until 1772, when the majority of the regiment was sent to Boston. The grenadier company was engaged at Lexington and Concord, and the entire regiment was at Bunker Hill. In December 1775 the 18th was drafted into other regiments, remaining in America until 1783. The barrel is now 41.25", doubtless originally the 46" of the first model, being shortened to conform to the second model pattern. Lock with crown, GR and Farmer 1746 at the tail. The barrel, in addition to normal proofs, bears the mark IB, which is also present on both sides of the butt stock, and doubtless represents master British gunmaker James Brazier. Interestingly the 1" high letters on the right side of the buttstock were filled in with lead/pewter, obviously during the period of use. All metal smooth and dark brown with no rust or pitting, very nice, with crisp cypher of the Royal Irish Regiment on top of the barrel, 5" from the breech. The gun is a well executed reconversion to flintlock and, other than the texture of the parts, difficult to detect. The forestock from just forward of the rear ramrod pipe has been restored. The screw fastened brass wedge escutcheons were doubtless added after the forestock had been shortened to hold the barrel in place. The original portion of the stock is excellent with rich smooth patina and crisp crown/GR/7 proof behind the trigger guard. Brass furniture perfect with 5" long three tier butt plate extension. The ramrod is a replacement. Despite the restoration a rare and important firearm, steeped in 18th century American military history.Auction Info
2009 December Signature Arms & Militaria Including Civil War Auction #6021 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
December, 2009
12th
Saturday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 1
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 5,425
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
19.5% of the successful bid per lot.
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