India pattern Brown Bess muskets imported for U.S. use in the early national period are discussed on pages 3 and 4 of "American Military Shoulder Arms, Volume 2: From the 1790s to the End of the Flintlock Period" by George D. Moller. His discreet "GDM" collection mark is found on the toe of this musket. He notes that in 1799 and 1800, 9,440 British muskets were imported to Philadelphia and placed in the Schuylkill Arsenal. Some of these were likely from the Revolutionary War, but others were clearly imported new. Moller notes that Dewitt Bailey indicated that the Ordnance Department in the U.K. intended to switch back to the New Land Pattern Muskets and may have been exported some of their India Pattern muskets prior to the Napoleonic Wars. He further states: "There are very few early India pattern muskets with 'US' markings in American collections." He clearly got his hands on one. This India Pattern musket has the usual front sight that doubles as the bayonet lug, Ordnance proofs on top at the breech, "US" marked on the barrel at the breech and the tail of the lock, the standard Georgian cipher and "TOWER" markings on the lock, "TK" (Thomas Ketland?) and two inspection marks behind the trigger guard, a small "TC" mark on the left flat, a leather sling, metal ramrod with trumpet tip, and a socket bayonet with scabbard, "666" looking mark on the collar, and a "Baker" securing spring. The spring is also known as the "Indian Spring" and has been credited to Ezekiel Baker of Baker Rifle fame. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Very good as reconverted to flintlock configuration with gray patina on the lock and barrel, mild pitting, smoothed area around the vent, and aged patina on the brass furniture. The refinished stock is good with mild scrapes and dings and spliced forend. The bayonet is too tight but is good and in similar condition to the barrel and lock. Mechanically fine.