^Lot 5354 BRITISH COMMERCIAL LATE 18TH CENTURY MILITIA BROWN

BESS MUSKET. Cal. .76. NSN. Bbl length is 42". This interesting Commercial Militia musket is generally configured as a 2nd Model Brown Bess, despite the presence of Pratt's improvement and two screws visible behind the cock. Therefore we feel the musket was produced late in the 18th Century, prior to the advent of the 3rd Model variation. The overall length is 58" and the bbl length is 42". The bbl has two crowned proofs near the bolster. The lock has two screws behind the serpentine cock and is boldly marked "Ketland & Co." under the pan. Brass trigger guard, buttplate, flat long tail sideplate, oval escutcheon plate, ramrod thimbles, and nosecap. The buttplate is stamped "E" over "53" at the top. Original ramrod and sling swivels. Full length stock. CONDITION: metal has been cleaned years ago and has reacquired a gray patina. Lock holds half cock, but needs an adjustment to hold full cock. Brass has a pleasing mellow patina. Wood has expected dents and dings along with a short crack extending back from the nosecap, forward from the front of the lock and backward from the front of the butt behind the escutcheon plate. Good bore. (01-26712/BF). ANTIQUE. $2,750-3,750.