British, 1860 Tower Three Band Percussion Cap 25 Bore Musket, Obsolete Calibre

*British, 1860 Tower Three Band Percussion Cap 25 Bore Musket, Obsolete Calibre*

Overall Length: 140cm

Marked on Lock Plate: Crown, Tower 1860
Sight Marked: 49
Marked on left Hand side of the barrel: 25 25 (Bore size)
Marked underneath the Barrel: Crown 2

This is a British Tower made three band long percussion musket. Dated 1860, the lock bears the royal cypher Queens Crown, however there is NO V.R. mark (used 1837-1901) under the crown, this likely indicates that this weapon was aimed at the overseas market. 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. Good blue colouring to metal parts, lovely patina to wood. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

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