Musket

Object Name:

Musket

Object ID:

1975.531

Creator:

Tower of London Arsenal -- Gunsmith

Place of Origin:

London, England

Date:

1764

Description:

Smooth-bore, muzzle loading flintlock with round barrel, known as "Shortland, New pattern Brown Bess musket". features typical of this model are expressed in this weapon: .75 caliber, 42" long barrel, with an iron ramrod (intact). Stock extends to 4.5" from muzzle, bayonet mounting stud is located 2" from muzzle. All iron parts are browned. Lug and pin fastenings attach barrel and brass fittings to stock. brass furniture includes: flat S-shaped side plate with long tail, nosecap for stock, 4 ramrod pipes (one nearest muzzle is funnel shaped; rear pipe has long tail let into stock at bulge), trigger guard, and butt plate. Brass escutcheon present on this model at rear of barrel tang (typical feature). Sling swivels are also standard, but are missing from this weapon.
Markings: one governmental proof mark stamped at breech end of barrel on left. "TOWER" is stamped at rear of cock on lock plate; Royal Cypher ("GR") and crown are stamped forward of cock. Broad arrow to the right of Royal Cypher is present. Letter 'T' is inscribed on escutcheon.

Material:

Wood
Metal

Dimensions:

L-58 inches

Provenance:

Card found in file indicating that this gun is possibly from the H. W. Harmon Collection. History on card: "Old Queen's arm musket used in the Revolution by Joseph Abbott of Kittery, ME. Presented by him to Ephraim Wentworth, and to me by John T. Wentworth, Ephraim's grandson, in Nov. 1900."

Credit Line:

New Hampshire Historical Society Collection

Subjects:

Firearms, Muskets