Image Lot Price Description






2288
$9,200.00

HISTORIC BRITISH SHORT LAND PATTERN 1769 MUSKET MARKED 71 REGT 2D B. Cal. . 78 with 41 15/16 inch long round barrel marked at breech with Tower View and Proof marks with a “*/10” on the left side near breech in front of the ornamental rings. Engraved on top of the barrel is “71 REGt 2D B” and is absolutely original to this historic musket. The barrel was converted to percussion and at some time had the drum cut off and a different lock installed bringing it back to flintlock, but the lock is a later type marked TOWER vertically at the tail with a Crown under the pan and needs to be redone. The furniture is all correct for the earliest Short land Pattern having a flat side plate and second rammer pipe is barrel shaped, indicating it is of the type that the 71 Regiment was issued. The Escutcheon is engraved “K/15” indicating this gun belonged to Company K private number 15. The Walnut stock is correct having the Ordnance Storekeepers mark on the lock side of the butt stock and what appears to be “IB” opposite the lock. Behind the trigger guard is a pair of small crowns/numerals, as well as in the rammer channel. The ramrod and rear sling swivel are correct and match the gun perfectly and are originals while the front sling swivel appears to be a replacement. History of the 71st Regiment of Foot: The 71st, unofficially known as “Fraser’s Highlanders”, was raised at Sterling Castle in late 1775 by Simon Fraser of Lovat and it was the first additional regiment authorized by King George when it became apparent many additional soldiers would be needed to quell the unrest in the American Colonies. The Regiment was built to the strength of 2,400 men and divided into two Battalions, then in Glasgow when they sailed for America in early 1776, arriving in Boston that summer in time for General Howe’s invasion of New York. The Regiment participated in the New York campaigns 27 August, capture of Fort Washington 16 November 1776 and Brandywine Creek 11 September 1777. A detachment of the 71st was sent up the Hudson river capturing Forts Clinton and Montgomery 6 October in support of General Burgoyne’s campaign to split the colonies. In late 1778, most of the 71st went sent south and captured Savannah, while the Grenadier companies stayed behind after capturing Stony Point, New York 31 May after which on 15 July 1779; General “Mad” Anthony Wayne’s army captured Stony Point and amongst the 600 British Soldiers captured were the 71st Grenadiers. Meanwhile the rest of the 71st with the southern army captured Savannah 29 December 1778, Briar Creek (where the 2nd Battalion played an important role) 3 March 1780, Charleston 12 May 1780 and Stono Ferry 20 June 1779. Beginning In early 1780, the 71st became the front line shock troops of Cornwallis’s army fighting on 16 August at Camden, 18 August at Fishing Creek, 17 January 1781 Cowpens, 15 March Guilford Court House and the siege of Yorktown July-October 1781 down to the surrender at Yorktown where 242 men of the 71st were fit for duty. The 71st was officially disbanded upon returning home in 1783 with the distinction of having been in more major battles and suffering more losses than any other British regiment. This is a rare opportunity to own a musket that was here, marked to a regiment that was only authorized for the American Revolution (so cannot be a replacement musket after retuning to England)and nicely marked to one of the most historic units that served in the entire war. PROVENANCE: For additional references see The Brown Bess An Identification Guide and Illustrated Study of Britain’s Most Famous Musket by Erik Goldstein and Stuart Mowbray pages 92-101 and Neumann’s Battle Weapons of the American Revolution page64. CONDITION: The iron metal work is in very good condition having the beautiful dark age patina that could only be applied over many years. The brass furniture has not been cleaned or polished since the time period as well. The stock corresponds with the metal having a 2 1/4 inch long x ½ inch wide piece of wood missing along lock side of barrel tang and a 2 inch long circular crack below front of lock, but no wood is missing or opened up. Overall there are several small nicks and dings but no other missing wood. Overall this gun has not been cleaned in any way, except to reconvert back to flintlock. 4-46995 PAS16 (7,000-9,000)


Auction: Firearms - Fall 2012
Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.