A percussion smoothbore musket of roughly .62 caliber built along the lines of the British Pattern 1858, about 54.25 inches overall with a 39.125-inch round barrel. The barrel carries Birmingham proofs and 25-bore stamps and is bright with brown staining and light pitting near the nipple; the bore is fair with light roughness. The lock reads 1863 over TOWER with a crown at the tail, and lock and hammer carry a brown patina. Brass furniture is very good. The stock is good, with service dents, E over 17 on the left flat and JOHN MARSON under the butt. Swivels are gone, the ramrod remains; the action works apart from the hammer releasing from half cock.

These guns were out of date when made: Britain handed them to native troops in India, Egypt and elsewhere and kept newer arms for the regular army. For a collector of British colonial long guns this is a sound example with legible lock dating and a named stock.

Key features

• Percussion smoothbore, about .62 caliber
• 39.125-inch barrel, 54.25 inches overall
• Lock marked 1863 over TOWER with crown
• Birmingham proofs, JOHN MARSON stock marking
• Swivels absent, ramrod present

The musket ships to the licensed FFL dealer you name at checkout, where the federal Form 4473 and background check are completed.