This is an excellent example of a Brown Bess style Fusil . The Fusil follows the general pattern of the Brown Bess Tower Musket but has lighter, smaller components. The top of the rear section of the barrel has a partial date of "1779" over "MOORE" and below that it has the East India Storekeepers mark of the "Heart Shaped Shield", quartered by a diagonal cross with the initials; "V.E.I.C." Of the "United East India Company. Directly below that it has the standard Crown over intertwined "CP" proof mark/Crown over "DM" and Crown over "V" proof marks of the Birmingham proof house. The Side of the lock also has the same "1779" and "MOORE" markings as the barrel and it also caries the same East India Storekeepers mark of the Heart Shaped shield, quartered by a diagonal cross with the initials of "V.E.I.C." and it is fitted with the standard goose-neck hammer. It has the standard brass India pattern furniture with the round side plate, with the trigger guard being held on by three screws with a single hole in the front of the trigger guard bow for a sling swivel with the rear potion being solid. The barrel is held on by two cross-pins and there are three brass ramrod thimbles. Directly over the front thimble is a single bale sling swivel. It is fitted with the correct India pattern walnut stock that is approximately 49 1/2 inches long from buttplate to the front cap and it has the small bulbous grip area around the bottom thimble. The top of the grip area has the small silver unit plate held in place with a single nail that is unmarked.
Excellent overall with the armory bright surfaces of the barrel having turned a mixed brown patina overall and the lock plate has also turned a dark brown patina. The brass furniture has a medium tone mustard yellow color and was probably cleaned years ago and has now reaged to it present appearance. The stock shows signs of an old cleaning and maybe light sanding. Overall still a very nice example of a early pattern Brown Bess pattern Fusil.
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