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Help Identifying ~18th Century Flintlock Musket

Jhealey1955Jhealey1955 Member Posts: 22 ✭✭
edited February 2009 in Ask the Experts
I know very little about this piece, and was hoping someone on the board could help me identify what region and era it is likely from, or what "style"/pattern of rifle it is based off of (if any).

It is approximately 56" long, with a 41.5" barrel channel. The barrel is missing, as is the ramrod and the barrel bands. The lockwork appears to be modern reproduction (though it fits well in the original grooves/woodwork), as does the brass trigger guard (I should note that a completely different style of trigger guard may have been used originally, as it appears that there are some channels in the wood that would accommodate a different size and shape trigger guard). The finish/color may also be un-original.

The metal buttplate appears original, as are the ramrod ferrules, as well as a small diamond shaped brass insert on the right side of the stock-all of which appear to be made of brass. The trigger also appears original, and is a flat shape-made of iron or steel-as do the screws on the butt plate, which look hand forged. Any help identifying this old firearm would be greatly appreciated.

[img][/img]musket03.jpg

[img][/img]musket13.th.jpg

Comments

  • rhmc24rhmc24 Member Posts: 1,984 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Nothing specific from the distant photo but the stock looks like it could of an English first model Brown Bess which had a 46" barrel. The barrel was about 4" longer than the wood to accomodate the bayonet. First half the 1700s if not repro. The trigger guard is not typical of old military muskets. Lock looks maybe French style early 1800s likely repro. Basically a cobbled together piece with incompatible parts. Good close up pictures of all the metal parts (or where they were) can firm all that up.

    edit From Spiders's enlargement, it's not an original Brown Bess stock altho of similar design, Trigger is not English military. Lock looks frenchy but either modern or excellent original. Reminds me the saying "nice from far but far from nice" - still it could have possibilities - if early Amaerioan.
  • upjumtddeblupjumtddebl Member Posts: 363 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I don't know if you take your own pictures but if you did please use something else as a backdrop as that is not an appropriate use of our flag .thanks
  • Spider7115Spider7115 Member Posts: 29,704 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
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