^Lot 487 British Tower 2-Band Percussion Muzzle Loading Rifled Musket

British Tower 2-Band Percussion Muzzle Loading Rifled Musket, #NVSN, .577 cal., 34'' barrel, browned finish, walnut stock, blade front sight, and adjustable folding leaf rear sight with wide ''V''-notch, graduated to 900 yards. Includes the iron rammer. Lockplate has two-line engraving and is marked ''(Crown)'' and ''1863/TOWER''. There proof, view, and ''25'' stamped on left side of the barrel. Right side of the buttstock with ''(Crown)BSAT/BIRMINGHAM SMALL ARMS''. Condition overall is good, musket has not been cleaned, and the iron parts show a dark brown patina, with old pitting to the barrel adjacent the lock. There is a round guard below the nipple and the outside edge has been flattened. Brass trigger guard and forend cap have darkened with age. Stock is in good condition, with expected marks from use, general darkening, and an old 1'' crack behind the lockplate. A section of wood appears to be missing from the right side of the barrel tang. Action operates smoothly; hammer holds in half and full cock position. Bore rates fair with moderate surface rust, rifling is visible. Est.: $600-$800. (Antique)