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Brown Bess?
gearheaddad
Member Posts: 15,091 ✭✭✭
When my Dad was a child he was digging in the dirt near his home and found a bayonet. He held onto it all these years (approx. 70 yrs) and gave it to me to see what I could find out about it. I believe it's a brown Bess. It has no markings that I can find. It's pitted but seems in good shape otherwise. How can I find out it's age, origin and value?
I also have some shells or ammunition that I believe is from World War I. I'm assuming its WWI because it came from my husbands late grandfathers home and he fought in WWI. I'm a bit nervous having this stuff around as I'm not sure if it's live. How do I find out?
Your help is appreciated.
I also have some shells or ammunition that I believe is from World War I. I'm assuming its WWI because it came from my husbands late grandfathers home and he fought in WWI. I'm a bit nervous having this stuff around as I'm not sure if it's live. How do I find out?
Your help is appreciated.
Comments
Thank you in advance,
Ed
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Dixie Gun works and others imported similar replicas as early as the 1960's. My WAG is that what this flintlock is.
These flintlock replicas are still being imported and sold. Considering the condition of yours I believe it would be valued perhaps 25% to 35% less then the ones being sold now.
Are there any barrel or stock markings?
There is a big rectangle maybe 1/2" X 1" on the left side of the butt stock that has PDL in it.
On the barrel, there is a GB and a crown over it with an arrow pointing down and maybe crossed swords?under a crown
That's about all I can find!
Thanks,
Ed
The third model Bess often called the India Pattern is valued a lot less than those dating possibly back into American history maybe 1000-$1200. Second model easily twice that if real and mostly original. There is a first model with 46" barrel, which this is not.
Update: 39" makes it a 3rd model, assuming bbl of original length. Wood ramrods were abandoned late in 1st model. Metal RR is correct for this model. I have owned all the models and have worked on many more. Check my profile.
The lock and barrel to me looks way to nice to go with the rest of the gun. What is the barrel length? I have not seen an original that had the barrel as clean as that one. If original it is over 250years old. Also an original would have a wooden ram rod and the ram rod pipes would allow for them. Is the end of the ramrod one piece or is the end pinned on? It does appear that the side plate is raised. That would make it a 1st model but, after looking at mine, the side plate on mine is a lot longer. Also how long is the tang coming off of the butt plate? Does it go half way down the cheek or only 1/4 way down. If it goes down half way, is it pinned thru the comb? I am trying to remember who made the Tower lock Bess's but I really don't think that this gun is that old. I believe that someone "tried" to age the stock. I have been out of re-enacting for a while but I would think that you could still get around $850. I do not believe that this gun is original. My best guess would be of Japanese origin. Probably 20 years old in my opinion
Hi ya Chief,
It has a 39" barrel, the tang comes more like a third of the way down the cheek and does appear to be pinned. It has a steel ram rod.
Thanks,
Ed