Indian, Mid-19th Century, Big Bore East India Company Pattern Percussion Musket – Rifle Workshop Ishapore (RWI) Marked – Obsolete Calibre

*Indian, Mid-19th Century, Big Bore East India Company Pattern Percussion Musket – Rifle Workshop Ishapore (RWI) Marked – Obsolete Calibre*

A substantial and well-marked mid-19th century East India Company pattern percussion musket bearing the clear workshop stamp “18 RWI” to the lock plate, denoting inspection or assembly at Rifle Workshop Ishapore, one of the principal arms manufactories and repair depots serving the East India Company and later the British Indian Government.

The plain military-pattern lock is further stamped with additional arsenal control markings (appearing as “BBPP” or similar) together with an alphanumeric assembly or rack number. These markings are consistent with Indian arsenal inspection and component control practices of the period.

The barrel, measuring approximately 86 cm, is struck with repeated Crown over “V” view marks prefixed by an “I”, consistent with Indian Government inspection stamps found on percussion arms handled through Ishapore and related arsenals. The repetition of these marks across both lock and barrel indicates formal arsenal acceptance or overhaul.

The musket retains its brass military furniture including buttplate and trigger guard. The stock incorporates a percussion cap compartment beneath, characteristic of East India Company percussion models. Overall length approximately 126 cm. The barrel appears smoothbore and of large military calibre.

The slightly shorter barrel length compared to the standard 39-inch infantry pattern suggests arsenal alteration or variant production within Indian service, a practice not uncommon in mid-19th century colonial armouries.

Approx. Measurements – Barrel length: 86 cm. Overall length: 126 cm.

Historical Note:
Ishapore, established in the late 18th century near Calcutta, became a major centre for arms manufacture, assembly and refurbishment for the East India Company and subsequently the British Indian Government. Following the Indian Rebellion of 1857 and the transfer of power to the Crown, percussion muskets of EIC pattern continued to be assembled, repaired and reissued through Indian arsenals.

Workshop stamps such as “RWI” are associated with this structured system of arsenal management and inspection. Muskets of this type formed part of the wider armament used across Indian military and auxiliary establishments during the transitional mid-19th century period. While surplus arms were sometimes reissued to secondary or auxiliary forces, no specific unit property marking is present to confirm allocation beyond Indian Government service.

*Condition*
An honest and unrestored example showing clear service wear throughout. The barrel displays consistent aged patina with areas of surface oxidation and pitting commensurate with long-term storage and Indian service use. Markings remain visible. The bore has not been inspected internally. The lock plate shows oxidation but retains legible workshop and inspection markings. The stock exhibits age-related shrinkage and cracking, most notably a longitudinal crack through the lock mortise area and stress cracking around the side nail escutcheon. Minor separation is visible along the barrel channel. These features are typical of mid-19th century arms exposed to fluctuating humidity over long periods. The wood remains complete. Brass furniture retains an even aged patina. The percussion cap compartment is present. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

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