Another Bess

[musketman]

BEAUTIFUL SHORT LAND PATTERN BROWN BESS MUSKET .82 CALIBER

.82 caliber, look at the size of that... :shocking: :winking:

This is a circa: 1800 produced to 180 pieces, with Birmingham (England) Proofs on the
barrel and an unmarked lock.

The stock has a beautiful cartouche in the
shape of a large honey bee. The wings of the bee are marked D&L.

The wording around the bess is DRESSE LALOUX & CIE LIEGE and the number 1129.

This is a Napoleanic musket in excellent condition. There is a small ship
out of the toe, but otherwise the wood is wonderful.

 

Would that ever make a nice huntn' iron. It's quite a bit 'finer' than the full sized 'Bess, more like a sporting gun.
: thanks for the picture.
Daryl

 

[riarcher]

Very nice!
Where'd you find that?
More important, What is the finish on the steel? And the nosecap and butt plate, "blackened" Brass or steel?
I've heard the Mariners "blackened" their muskets to reduce rusting on the high seas. Just what was that "blackening" (I'm certain it wasn't Krylon :no?
PS, Love the "no-no" guy.

 

Bess' were browned as well as being Japanned- varnish by guess. Sometimes the brass was coated as well. I assume this was a naval piece as they wre usually 'coated' with something, browning or japanning for pretection of metal parts. The Marines on board had 'bright' muskets whereas the sailor's arms would be protected.(it is thought)
Daryl

 

[musketman]

The Marines on board had 'bright' muskets whereas the sailor's arms would be protected. (it is thought)
Daryl

True, the sailor's muskets would be exposed to salt water more-so than the other forces, plus the hulls of a wooden ship (usually where things are stowed) are damp and musty...

I like the blacken look of this musket in question, makes it look more sinister and deadly... :winking: