The Long Land Pattern "Brown Bess" muskets were the primary infantry arms of the British Empire through most of the 18th century, including in the French & Indian War and American Revolution in North America. Some of these muskets were used by the American Patriots as well during the fight for independence and beyond. The smoothbore barrel has a bayonet stud that also serves as the front sight. The "banana" shaped lock has the Georgian cipher at the center, lined borders, and "ARDEN/1748" at the tail. A William Arden is listed as a gunsmith at Sugar Loaf Court, Goodman's Yard, Minories, in 1762. The buttplate is marked "44/96." Ramrod absent.