British, Napoleonic Wars, India Pattern (3rd Model) Tower Brown Bess Flintlock Musket, with Sling, Obsolete Calibre

*British, Napoleonic Wars, India Pattern (3rd Model) Tower Brown Bess Flintlock Musket, with Sling*

An original India Pattern Tower “Brown Bess” flintlock musket, regulation .75 bore, measuring 137.5cm overall with a 98cm (39") barrel. The musket retains its full-length stock with brass mounts including buttplate, trigger guard with long tang, S-shaped sideplate, three ramrod pipes (the front of trumpet form) and brass fore-end cap. The iron barrel carries its bayonet stud/front sight and displays two blurred Board of Ordnance proof marks at the breech. The lock is of the correct Tower form, with cock, pan, frizzen and frizzen spring present, its original Crown/GR and Tower stamps now lost through wear. The original ramrod is retained, and a sling is fitted.

Historical Note:
The Third Model Brown Bess, more commonly called the India Pattern, was introduced in 1793 after large consignments were ordered for the East India Company. Its 39-inch barrel made it handier than the earlier Long and Short Land patterns, while simplified brass furniture and plain lock construction allowed much faster and cheaper mass-production. By 1809 it had become the standard issue musket of the British Army, replacing earlier patterns in front-line service. Vast numbers were carried during the Peninsular War, and it was this form of musket that armed the bulk of Wellington’s infantry at Waterloo in 1815, making it the quintessential weapon of Britain’s Napoleonic soldier.

*Condition*
The musket is complete and service worn. The barrel shows heavy exterior pitting and oxidation but retains its bayonet stud and blurred proof marks at the breech. The muzzle displays age-consistent wear. The lock, of correct Tower form, is intact with cock, pan, frizzen and frizzen spring all present; surfaces show deep patination and pitting, but the mechanism does cock and dry fire correctly. The stock is full-length, dark with old handling wear, knocks and stable age cracks. Notably, four drilled holes are visible underneath the lock, just to the right of the trigger guard, consistent with the fixing points of an old repair or reinforcement plate. The butt shows rounded wear consistent with long service. The brass mounts are present and toned, with scattered dents and scratches. The ramrod is housed correctly and the musket is fitted with a replacement sling. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

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