Original Item: Most people know that the very oldest items found in some quantity in the Royal Nepalese Armory Purchase of 2003 were the Flintlock Brown Bess Muskets. Dating back to the East India Company Brown Bess Musket of 1771 these were also in the most dilapidated shape.
For the past decade IMA has been salvaging parts, rebuilding muskets on newly made reproduction 1808 style stocks and offering parts sets, all of which are available for purchase on pour web site.
However, we get constant requests for “untouched” and “as is” Brown Bess Muskets, damage, decay, rust, warts and all!
So here you have it- uncleaned, untouched, offered as is.
What you will get (lock, Stock & Barrel)-
– Lock & Hammer- These were made in England and may still have British or East India Company markings but do not count on it, the vast majority will have a Gurkha crest on the lock plate put on by the Nepalese after the British markings were removed, or were never added due to black market arms deals. Overall these muskets will be covered in a thick oil based coating that has accumulated over 175 years worth of dirt and grime. What markings might lie beneath the dirt we cannot tell you nor will we honor any requests toward. If you must have a British or EIC marking please do not purchase this musket.
– Stock- The…
– Barrel- .75 Caliber, 39 inches in length with rounded tang, Nepalese made. We do not inspect these barrels for firing and strongly advise against shooting them. Should you be tempted- take it to a licensed gunsmith.
What you might not get:
– Ram Rod.
– Screws for Butt Plate, Sling Swivel, etc
– Sling Swivels
– Brass Trigger Guard
– Other minor bits
What you won’t get
– Butt plate- will be ABSENT. Why? Over the course of 175 years the armory guards who sold brass for scrap in the marketplace stole easily removable parts. However, there are reproduction brass butt plates available on the market.
Typical Condition:
– Will show rust & pitting
– Will be covered in filth
– Will be incomplete
– Almost certainly will not operate
– Will have Cracks, Missing Chunks, Old repairs.
– Will have cracks and/or rot in wood
– May be frozen in grime
So what are you buying? An original very old flintlock musket that has been neglected and abused, was stored away in an ancient palace for over a century and a half, and has never been touched by any restorer, gunsmith or fellow collector. You are buying a piece of history. For those who would like a “TIME CAPSULE”, here it is.
These untouched Brown Bess muskets have been stored, untouched, since being brought back from Kathmandu, Nepal back in 2003.
A true untouched piece of Brown Bess Flintlock history, offered “AS IS” so we very much regret we cannot cater to any special requests. If it isn’t what you expect, that is fine, return it (before you attempt any restoration) and the full gun purchase price will be refunded to you, however the customer will pay shipping both ways. We can not exchange guns and will not get into an exchange situation, so please do not ask.
Please remember, that these very old guns are intended for display purposes. IMA does not recommend restoration of these antique firearms into “shooters” and any attempt to do so should be inspected by a licensed gunsmith before firing. Furthermore, please review our return policy as cleaned “untouched” parts are not eligible for return or exchange.
Specifications:
Years of Manufacture: 1780s-1830s
Caliber: .75″ Musket
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 39 inches
Overall Length: about 55 inches (Varies)
Action: Flintlock
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded
NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these.
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