Brown Bess Real or Replica?

[Jpongo6]

This was passed down when my grandfather passed to my father and we had no idea he had it. Also have 0 clue if it’s real or a reproduction. Either way what a cool piece of history.

 

[Loyalist Dave]

That is a Pedersoli brand, reproduction of a Short Land Pattern King's Musket, aka a Brown Bess. The "made in Italy" , the serial number, and warnings about using "BLACK POWDER ONLY" indicate that it was made after the era of modern gunpowder began. If those markings had been removed, the "Grice 1762" marking on the lock would also give it away.

LD

 

[Grenadier1758]

@Loyalist Dave, did a full identification.

 

[Jpongo6]

That is a Pedersoli brand, reproduction of a Short Land Pattern King's Musket, aka a Brown Bess. The "made in Italy" , the serial number, and warnings about using "BLACK POWDER ONLY" indicate that it was made after the era of modern gunpowder began. If those markings had been removed, the "Grice 1762" marking on the lock would also give it away.

LD

Thank you so much for that. So it’s basically just a wall hanger isn’t worth anything maybe a couple hundred? Also, can you check out my other post I have another old one that I think is legit I just don’t know what it is or how much it’s worth.

 

[Tumbledown]

That is a Pedersoli brand, reproduction of a Short Land Pattern King's Musket, aka a Brown Bess. The "made in Italy" , the serial number, and warnings about using "BLACK POWDER ONLY" indicate that it was made after the era of modern gunpowder began. If those markings had been removed, the "Grice 1762" marking on the lock would also give it away.

LD

Looks short, even for a SLP. It only has one thimble besides the entry pipe. I'm thinking officer's musket?

 

[TDM]

Wasn't there a Calvary/Dragoon model made that was that length? Could be mistaken.

 

[64Springer]

The date code in the box looks like BB.

If so, the gun was made in 1992.

 

[Loyalist Dave]

Looks short, even for a SLP. It only has one thimble besides the entry pipe. I'm thinking officer's musket?

CORRECT
AND A POX on me for in attention...
THAT's a Bess Carbine....sincere mea culpa, mea culpa...

LD

 

[springfield art]

And, it's worth a small fortune in terms of today's demand for such replicas!

 

[Loyalist Dave]

Thank you so much for that. So it’s basically just a wall hanger isn’t worth anything maybe a couple hundred? Also, can you check out my other post I have another old one that I think is legit I just don’t know what it is or how much it’s worth.

Well you can sell it for $200 but it's worth at least $800, if the bore isn't heavily pitted, and the frizzen isn't too deeply gouged........looks like the bayonet lug/front sight is missing

LD

 

[springfield art]

I smell a rodent here: a guy claims to "inherit" a nice repo musket, and 'hints' he may sell for 200...then implies he might have a genuine one, too! This feels to me like a "prankster" dangling candy in front of a baby, knowing how much most of us would leap at such a deal. If I'm wrong, so be it.

 

[Tumbledown]

Thank you so much for that. So it’s basically just a wall hanger isn’t worth anything maybe a couple hundred? Also, can you check out my other post I have another old one that I think is legit I just don’t know what it is or how much it’s worth.

It is far from a wall hanger. It is perfectly serviceable for hunting, and for reenacting (depending on the level of authenticity portrayed.)

 

[ColonialRifleSmith]

This was passed down when my grandfather passed to my father and we had no idea he had it. Also have 0 clue if it’s real or a reproduction. Either way what a cool piece of history.

I don't think King George contracted a gun maker in Italy to build muskets for the British Army. It's a repro. Semper Fi.

 

[cynthialee]

That reproduction gun is worth a bit more than $200 and shouldn't be a wall hanger.
A new one will cost you over $1500
Second hand probably around 700-900, so long as it is all in good condition.

Get out to the range and see how she shoots.

 

[Jpongo6]

Really want to thank everyone for reaching out. Might hold on to it and if in good enough condition, go and fire it! No one at the gun show could even identify it, all just said wall hanger 100 bucks blah blah blah. Miss the days of going to a show and having real conversations with people.

 

[Dusty_Traveler]

Man, if you are interested in getting into black powder, that is a really versatile piece that a lot of fun could be had with. I'll have a Bess carbine someday.

Do check the bore, after making sure it is not loaded!

 

[cynthialee]

Really want to thank everyone for reaching out. Might hold on to it and if in good enough condition, go and fire it! No one at the gun show could even identify it, all just said wall hanger 100 bucks blah blah blah. Miss the days of going to a show and having real conversations with people.

That is a good gun. It will take turkey with ease, and it can dirt nap a mule deer or a black bear inside of 70 yards.

 

[Snooterpup]

Really want to thank everyone for reaching out. Might hold on to it and if in good enough condition, go and fire it! No one at the gun show could even identify it, all just said wall hanger 100 bucks blah blah blah. Miss the days of going to a show and having real conversations with people.

They knew, trust me they knew. They just wanted to get to to sell it cheap so they could realize a profit. Sleazy buggers

 

[Paul-in-PA]

Well you can sell it for $200 but it's worth at least $800, if the bore isn't heavily pitted, and the frizzen isn't too deeply gouged........looks like the bayonet lug/front sight is missing

LD

I think Pedersoli Brown Bess muskets are going for north of $1,000 these days.

 

[Bobby MacAlphin]

Really want to thank everyone for reaching out. Might hold on to it and if in good enough condition, go and fire it! No one at the gun show could even identify it, all just said wall hanger 100 bucks blah blah blah. Miss the days of going to a show and having real conversations with people.

I had one like it for years and even killed a few deer with it during hunting season , I sold mine about 15 years ago for $500 but I have wished many times that I did not !