Reproduction? “Brown Bess” Long Land .75 Cal Flintlock Musket ATF Antique
SOLD FOR: $1525
LSB#: 210421HF28
Make: British
Model: “Brown Bess” Tower
Serial Number: NSN
Year of Manufacture: 1753
Caliber: .50 Caliber Ball
Action Type: Single Shot, Muzzle Loaded Flintlock Rifle
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “42 REG.”. The sideplate is marked “TOWER / 1753” and with a crown over “G.R.”. An inset plate on the top of the grip is marked “A / 54”. The right side of the buttstock is marked with a crown cartouche.
Barrel Length: 41”
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a rectangular post fixed to the barrel. There is no rear sight.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The stock is a one piece hard wood with ramrod channel, capped forend, straight grip, deep fluted straight comb, and a brass buttplate that runs from the comb to the toe. The right side plate is pewter. The stock is missing any varnish and is dry in appearance. There are light nicks scattered about, noticeable mainly on the buttstock. Brass parts have minor surface oxidation. The LOP measures 14” from the fronts of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has light wear and minor discoloration similar to the other metal fixtures, including a bit of verdigris. Overall, the stock rates in Good-plus condition, as antique.
Type of Finish: Bright
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is dark. There is light-to-moderate erosion throughout.
Overall Condition: This rifle does not feature any finish. The barrel has light surface oxidation throughout. There are light nicks and pits throughout. The hammer/frizzen assembly has light-to-moderate surface oxidation, and the pewter side plate has minor surface oxidation. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The marking is clear. Overall, this rifle is in Good-to-Very Good condition, as antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: There is a wooden ramrod stored under the barrel and a sling.
Our Assessment: There are several indicators this is a Long Land pattern “Brown Bess” musket that saw service with the British empire in the late 1700s. We mainly can’t be 100% certain as markings indicating British ordinance intake are not present. However, other inspector’s stamps and regimental marks do make a strong case that this is indeed a British military musket. It is in overall Good-to-Very Good condition for an antique. It could serve as a fine decorative piece over the mantel or as a restoration project (which you should then hang over your mantel). Either way, if you think about who might’ve used this gun or who might’ve fought against it, you’d hold a little bit of British Imperial history as well as some good old-fashioned revolutionary spirit with this firearm in your collection. Good luck and happy bidding!