An original English Brown Bess flintlock musket of commercial / militia type, manufactured in Birmingham during the Napoleonic period and fitted with a lock signed “SARGANT & SON.”
The musket retains its original smoothbore steel barrel, of correct Brown Bess form with integral bayonet lug. The barrel shows honest age-related patination and bears Birmingham trade workman’s and private view marks at the breech (letter punches and rosette), consistent with commercial manufacture. The muzzle is original and uncut.
The lock is of military form, signed Sargant & Son, complete and in good working order, holding securely at half and full cock. All components are original and correctly fitted.
The original walnut full stock shows expected service wear and patina, with internal oil and powder staining within the barrel channel consistent with long-term use; no worm. The musket retains its original brass furniture throughout, including butt plate, trigger guard, side plate, and ramrod p
...ipes, all with matching colour and wear, confirming originality and absence of later replacement or marriage.
This musket has never been Board of Ordnance issued, lacking crown, broad arrow, Tower, or storekeeper’s marks, and represents a private-purchase / militia Brown Bess produced by the Birmingham trade to meet wartime demand in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
A sound, honest, and unaltered example of a named English Brown Bess from the Napoleonic era.
Condition
Barrel: Original smoothbore; age-related internal oxidation; muzzle uncut
Lock: Original; signed; action working correctly
Stock: Original walnut; honest wear; internal staining consistent with age; no worm
Furniture: Original brass throughout
Overall: Good antique condition, period correct and unaltered
Date
Circa 1795–1815
Measurements
Length barrel : 38.5''
Overall length : 54'' (137cm)
Peter Harris Clocks & Militaria, Portobello Road
WE are open every Saturday between 9.30 - 3.30pm in Chelsea Galleries 67 Portobello Road London.
We are at the front of the gallery, on the 1st aisle.
Web page:-
https://peterharrisclocks.com/welcome/
Internal Reference: BB01
Antique ID Number (AIDN): SA1196028
Dateline of this antique is Georgian
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