Description

Short Land pattern Brown Bess musket built by R. Watkin to arm the York Volunteers for the defence of York Castle from siege by Bonnie Prince Charlie during the Jacobite Rebellion circa 1745. Marked on the left butt stock Y+C over 33 which identifies it as a York Castle or York City musket. 42 inch barrel, .75 inch bore. Bore is clear with uniform patina of corrosion. Lock marked R Watkin, no government ownership marks. . Strong spring, positive half and full cock, strong release. Frizzen spring has spear finial design. Left side plate is raised convex design with tail. Three ramrod pipes not flared or fluted. Barrel attached to stock by round pins, no stock end finial. The ramrod is a replacement and does not have metal end cap. Minor age damage includes chipping in front of lock plate and rear pin exit hole as shown in photos. A very interesting period musket substantially predates the second pattern by Ketland & Co. We have not removed the barrel or lock for inspection. Sold as is.