This rifle has attributes of both earlier and later English infantry rifles (popularly known as Baker rifles) and appears to have been an 1800-1810 era Baker rifle that was updated during its service life to the Pattern 1800/1815. D.W. Bailey in "British Military Longarms 1815-1865" estimates no more than 2,000 of the earlier Baker pattern rifles were converted to this pattern around 1815-1823. The barrel has a bayonet lug on the bottom for use with a socket bayonet (a distinguishing feature of the Pattern 1800/15 rifles), a dovetailed brass blade front sight, a notch rear sight with two folding leaves, and government proofs on the left at the breech. The barrel does not have a hooked breech. The stock extends to 4 1/2 inches from the muzzle and has a brass nose cap and the correct style of cheek rest on the left and does not have a slit in the ramrod channel (a feature of the later Baker rifles) nor a thumb plate. The lock is signed "S_Wallis" in script and has light border engraving, government markings, a goose-neck cock with scroll engraving, and iron pan. It lacks the usual royal cipher. It is likely by Stephen Wallis of Birmingham, active c. 1807-1833. The side plate is the flat "S" pattern found on Baker rifles. The trigger guard is the correct Baker type. Sling swivels are fitted to the front of the guard and at the front ramrod pipe. It has three ramrod pipes rather than the usual two. The brass patch box has the spurious inscription "John Ward/Rosebury 1776/his gun" in ornate script. The lock has light border engraving, scroll engraved accents on the goose neck cock (most Bakers after 1810 had ring neck cocks) Included documents lists it as having come out of the collection of Senator George P. Loder who had owned it since 1866 and was a collector of American Revolution artifacts. Also includes information about John Ward (1748-1828), a soldier during the Revolution on the British side in Canada.

Very good with dark brown and gray patina, some artificial brown, minor pitting, aged patina on the brass, general minor marks and scratches, some flakes around the lock mortise, a burn type recess on the left side of the wrist, mostly distinct markings, crisp later period added inscription, and general mild wear. Insect damage visible on right side of stock, ahead of lock plate. Mechanically fine.