The British Baker rifles were based on the designs of Ezekiel Baker and were used by the British Army from 1800 into the 1830s. They were used by British riflemen and skirmishers in the Napoleonic Wars and War of 1812, and were also used by Mexican forces during the Texas Revolution, including at the Alamo. There were many variations of the Baker produced, including variations in sights, bayonets, barrel lengths, and more. This rifle started life as a pattern 1800 Baker rifle that was later updated during its service life, subsequent to its use during the Napoleonic Wars era, to the Pattern 1800/15 adapted for use with a socket bayonet from its previous configuration for use with a sword bayonet. 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 blade front sight, a dovetailed notch rear sight with two folding leaves, and small kings proof marks on the left at the breech. The front end of the stock was period shortened at the time of its alteration to 3 1/8 inches back from the muzzle and is fitted with a brass nose cap, the correct style of cheek rest on the left of the buttstock and does not have a slit in the ramrod channel (a feature of the later Baker rifles). The lock features a goose-neck cock, iron flash pan, and is marked with the standard "crown/GR" Georgian cipher and "TOWER". The side plate is the flat "S" pattern found on Baker rifles. Sling swivels are fitted to the front of the Baker trigger guard and ahead of the front ramrod pipe. Brass fittings including the ramrod pipes, sideplate, trigger guard, wrist plate, patch box, and buttplate. "Broad arrow/BO" stamp on the right of the buttstock. "8.1.3" stamped on both sides of the buttstock. For more information on these Pattern 1800/15 Baker rifles and the socket bayonet used, reference pages 129-131 and 142-143 the book "British Military Longarms 1815-1865" by DeWitt Bailey.

Very good, retains half of the applied brown finish with some scattered light pitting and handling marks, and defined markings in the metal. Wood is also very good as period arsenal sanded and subsequently refinished with scattered scratches and dents, a seven inch spliced and repaired sliver on the right of the barrel channel, a few cracks on either side of the forend, and some small chips behind the trigger guard tang. Brass retains an attractive bright patina. Broken patch box latch. Mechanically excellent. As a veteran of the Napoleonic Wars era that was subsequently adapted for use with a socket bayonet for continued service, this Pattern 1800/15 Baker rifle would make a fine addition to any early British Martial collection!