Late 18th Century Brown Bess With Long Barrel

~ Late 18th Century Brown Bess With Long Barrel ~

This is a fine flintlock musket. The lockplate is stamped with the gunsmith’s name ‘H. Nock’. The barrel is stamped on the left-hand side with a pair of proof marks.

Henry Nock (1741–1804) was a British inventor and engineer of the Napoleonic period, best known as a gunsmith. Nock produced many innovative weapons including the screwless lock and the seven-barrelled volley gun, although he did not invent the latter despite it commonly being known as the Nock gun. He was a major supplier to the military during the Napoleonic wars. His high-quality duelling pistols and double-barreled shotguns were much sought after and it is largely through Nock that the latter became the weapon of choice for hunters.

Our example is purposely made for shooting birds hence the abnormally long barrel. The piece is very well made with good quality brass elements. It has a lovely checkered grip. The ramrod is made of steel and is original.

It half cocks, cocks and releases with a strong spring.

~ Dimensions ~

The barrel length is 58 1/4 inches (148 cm) and the overall length of the musket is 74 inches (188 cm).

~ Condition ~

The musket is in good used condition with some surface wear to the metalwork.

The musket has some cosmetic bruising to be expected with its age.

Its overall condition is excellent.

ML.