Bess in the shop

[WKevinD]

I believe this is a 3rd model Bess, I know little about British military guns but this intrigues me.
The "rack" numbers on the butt plate match the bayonet numbers is this common? Does this signify regiment, location etc?
Its obvious to me that the lock was converted from flint but I'm not sure if this was done before its initial service or if was to "update" this musket when it was in service.
Kevin

[ntqlvr1948]

It is nice to have the original bayonet with the gun and the markings make it extra nice. Very few guns are found with the bayonet...and it was probably converted years after it was initially issued.

[smart dog]

Hi,
What is the length of the barrel?  I need to see the trigger guard and forward 2 ramrod pipes.  Because bayonets were hand fitted to each musket, they usually had matching unit and gun markings.  The "LI" may indicate light infantry.  There are two possibilities suggested by the markings.  There was a short lived 100th regiment of foot raised as a light infantry regiment in 1780, fought in India, and was disbanded in 1785.  Then there was another 100th raised in Ireland in 1804 and sent to Canada where it fought in several battles along the St Lawrence River during the War of 1812.  I believe a proper dating of the musket will identify one or the other, which is why I need photos of the barrel length, trigger guard, and ramrod pipes.   

dave

[ntqlvr1948]

I'm guessing 39 inch barrel ..from the side plate, and there is no wrist escutcheon showing. Looks like a third model bess

[Steve Collward]

Kevin,
 Based on the sideplate, it looks to be an India Pattern 'Bess. Either a Pat. 1793/Type 1, or Pat. 1809/Type 2 (this had the throated cock).
 The photo of the lock plate is a bit dark, but check to see if there is a Broad Arrow stamp under the drum.  Also check the stock to see if there is a storekeeper's mark. The barrel looks to be stamped Ordnance markings.
 
  The "LI" on the butt plate tang may be for a Liverpool regiment, with the "11" indicating the 11th musket. Will check to see if there was a "100th" Reg.

  It was most likely converted to percussion after government service.  Looks to be untouched and is very nice the bayonet has stayed with the musket over the years.
Steve

[smart dog]

Hi,
As Steve noted, the absence of the wrist plate seals it.  It is a pattern 1793 "India pattern" gun issued by British Ordnance. The markings on the lock look engraved not stamped suggesting the pattern 1793 rather than the last pattern 1809.  The markings are on the butt plate because there is no wrist plate.  As I wrote previously, the dating of the gun probably indicates the 100th regiment formed in 1804 in Ireland and sent to Canada.  The "LI" likely indicates the light infantry company of the 100th regiment gun number 11.  Each regiment at full strength had 10 companies, two of which were the flank companies, which were the grenadiers and the light infantry.  The 100th fought at Sackett's Harbor, Fort Niagara, and Chippawa and sustained a good reputation.  Many of the soldiers settled in Ontario after the unit was disbanded in 1815.

dave

[WKevinD]

Thanks for the information and the direction to go in. I will measure barrel length and take some more pictures.
Knowing the history or pedigree makes this far more interesting to me.

Thanks again
Kevin