*British Export, Dated 1838, Tower 1838 Three Band Percussion Cap Musket marked for the Jaipur Arsenal, With Sling, Obsolete Calibre*
Marked on Lock Plate: Crown, 1838 Tower.
Marked on right side of barrel: JPR/EXR/2/8520 – Jaipur Arsenal
98cm barrel, 139cm overall. Brass butt plate.
This is a British Tower made three band long percussion musket. Dated 1838, the lock bears the royal cypher Crown, hoever there is NO V.R. (1837-1901) under the crown. This indicates that this weapon was aimed at the Overseas market. This is confirmed by the Jaipur Arsenal reference on the barrel. Fixed front and rear sight. The musket has a fitted ramrod and two sling swivels and the original sling.
“Tower” mark: For most of the flintlock and percussion periods, the Tower of London served as a storehouse for arms, but no arms were actually made there. Contractors made the various parts, and brought them to the Tower for inspection. Locks were delivered assembled but with the lock plate soft and “in the white”. The lock would be inspected, then disassembled and the parts inspected. If accepted, the lockplate would be stamped with the word “Tower” before hardening it. Once all the parts were finished, the lock was reassembled, inspected again, and placed in stock. Tower workers assembled muskets as needed from stocks of parts. If there was no immediate need for arms, parts were stored for future assembly, which could often be years later.
*Condition*
Good used condition. The hammer half cocks, cocks and releases with a strong spring. Good blue colouring to metal parts, lovely patina to wood. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
JAQDOOXHOO_1772166977
