British, 1853 Pattern, VR Tower Three Band Percussion Musket, Likely Birmingham made, Obsolete Calibre

*British, 1853 Pattern, VR Tower Three Band Percussion Musket, Likely Birmingham made, Obsolete Calibre*

Approximate Measurements: overall length 139.7cm, 99cm

Lock Plate Marked: Crown VR (1837-1901), 18?? (Indistinct) Tower
Barrel Marked: Crown over War Arrow Over Crown over B over 45, Crown over BJ
Barrel Bands Marked: B over 25 and underneath SC, Crown over B over ?5
Trigger Plate Marked: B over 46
Stock Etched (Burnt): MA over XV (15)

This is a British 1853 Pattern Tower marked three band long percussion musket. The lock bears the royal cypher Queens Crown over VR, (used 1837-1901), the Date is obscured but we can still discern 18?? and the beginning of the Tower mark. The B inspection marks throughout suggest it was made in Birmingham. The markings on the stock my be regimental. The musket has a fitted ramrod, brass butt plate and two sling swivels.

“Tower” mark: For most of the flintlock and percussion periods, the Tower of London served as a storehouse for arms, but no arms were actually made there. Contractors made the various parts, and brought them to the Tower for inspection. Locks were delivered assembled but with the lock plate soft and “in the white”. The lock would be inspected, then disassembled and the parts inspected. If accepted, the lockplate would be stamped with the word “Tower” before hardening it. Once all the parts were finished, the lock was reassembled, inspected again, and placed in stock. Tower workers assembled muskets as needed from stocks of parts. If there was no immediate need for arms, parts were stored for future assembly, which could often be years later.

*Condition*
Good used condition. The hammer half cocks, cocks and releases with a strong spring. Trigger is missing a bolt. Good blue colouring to metal parts, lovely patina to wood. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

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