Page 71 - 83-BOOK3

LOT 3100
Desirable US Surcharged English
India Pattern Brown Bess Flintlock Musket
with Bayonet - NSN, 78 cal., 39 inch round bbl., bright finish, walnut stock. 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. CONDITION: Very good as reconverted to flintlock configuration with gray patina on the lock and barrel, mild pitting, smoothed area around the vent, and d spliced forend. The bayonet is too tight but is good and in similar condition to the barrel and lock. Mechanically fine. Provenance: The George Moller Collection. Estimate: 4,000 - 6,000
LOT 3101
Royal Artillery Marked/State of Massachusetts Surcharged British India Pattern Third Model Brown Bess Flintlock Musket with Bayonet - NSN, 75 cal., 39 1/4 inch round bbl., bright finish, walnut stock. The India Pattern was the standard British infantry weapon from the tail end of the 18th century and into the 19th century. George Moller noted this example as being U.S. imported circa 1799-1800 and wearing a state of Massachusetts surcharge mark that was later added to the barrel ahead of the British Royal Artillery regimental marking. U.S. imported British muskets are described on pages 3-6 of George D. Moller’s book
“American Military Shoulder Arms, Volume II” in which the book states, “In 1799 and 1800 a total of 9,440 British muskets were imported into Philadelphia and placed in storage at the Schuylkill Arsenal there... there is a growing body of evidence indicating that these arms may have been early India pattern muskets procured by the British government.” The top of the barrel is marked “ROYl ARTILy 6 R” ahead of the later added Massachusetts mark “to MS” of which would be indicative of issue by the federal government to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (MS abbreviation is correct for the time period) under the terms of the U.S. Militia Act of 1808. “MS” is also marked in the left stock flat. “Crown/GR” Georgian cipher marked at the center of the lock, “TOWER” marked at the tail of the lock. “310” marked on the buttplate tang. “GDM” (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes a socket bayonet marked “MS” and “XI” on the socket, leather sheath, and leather sling. CONDITION: Fine with mostly bright polished surfaces, some light brown surface patina on the barrel, and crisp markings in the metal. Stock is very good as sanded and re-oiled with numerous scattered scratches and dents, and a crack/chip ahead of the lock. Mechanically fine. Included bayonet is very good with some patches of mild pitting, and the sheath is also very good with light age wear. An interesting, historically significant military musket with markings indicative of both British AND American issuance! Provenance: The George Moller Collection. Estimate: 3,500 - 5,500
LOT 3102
Very Scarce Documented McCormick 1798 U.S. Contract Flintlock Musket with Bayonet - NSN, 69 cal., 45 inch round bbl., bright finish, walnut stock. This exact McCormick 1798 U.S. contract musket is described and photographed on pages 146-149 of George D. Moller’s book “American Military Shoulder Arms, Volume II”. It is fitted with a bayonet stud on top of the barrel towards the muzzle, brass blade front sight fitted to the rear strap of the front barrel band. The lock is marked “McCORMICK” vertically at the tail and “V/eagle head/US” at the center. The top of the barrel at the breech is marked “US” and “eagle/P” proofed. Sling swivels are fitted to the middle band and ahead of the trigger guard. “GDM” (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes socket bayonet, leather sling, and wood tampion. CONDITION: Very good with mostly bright metal surfaces, some light pitting, and crisp lock markings. Stock is also very good with some scattered light scratches and handling marks, and light wear around the rear of the lock. Mechanically fine. Included bayonet is also very good with some patches of mild pitting. Provenance: The George Moller Collection.
aged patina on the brass furniture. The refinished stock is good with mild scrapes and dings an
AS PICTURED AND DESCRIBED IN THE BOOK AMERICAN MILITARY SHOULDER ARMS, VOL. II BY MOLLER
Estimate: 3,000 - 5,000 69