Help identifying this Brown Bess

[Brianc]

There’s a Bess for sale about an hour and a half from me the seller said it doesn’t have a name on it he sent these pictures figured I’d see if anyone is familiar

 

[Pine Hawker]

Looks like a Pedersoli from what I gather.

 

[Brianc]

Anything in particular to look for or avoid ? What is a good price point?

 

[Pine Hawker]

make sure it sparks good and doesnt hang up , a good price somewheres prob 600-800 dollars.

 

[Brianc]

Thank you! I’m probably going to pass because he’s asking 1250 , I can buy a new one on gb for that shipped

 

[Pine Hawker]

seriously or cabelas

 

[Brianc]

I’m kinda looking but don’t have to have (good position for a buyer) I appreciate your time. Everyone says “make an offer “ unfortunately when you’re that far apart in price I think it’s a waste of time

 

[Pine Hawker]

seriously or cabelas

and on the Hammer it looks like either he dropped on it without a flint on it or something.

 

[Pine Hawker]

https://www.ackermannarms.com/Inventory

 

[Brianc]

Naturally the one they had at $750.00 is sold

 

[Pine Hawker]

he's very reputable and a Reenactor and history buff.

 

[Musketeer]

My first thought was Pedersoli too, but there are some oddities with it. The trigger guard is a different shape at the front with no sling swivel hole and there is no front swivel on the stock, nor a hole for the bolt that holds it on. The thumb plate on the wrist of the stock (from what I can see of it) looks to be a different shape, though I'm not 100% on that. Also, the lock markings look subtly different, though it has the same GR crown and Grice 1762 markings. Not sure what he has there exactly. A Pedersoli with some custom work? No clue.

 

[Pine Hawker]

just looked at the pics again. The bayonet lug is way far back and someone blued the bbl. I also see the new shiny pin drifted in vs . the old ones . Somethings funky in Funkytown.....just saying . Its not a Japanese Bess neither.

 

[satwel]

IMHO it looks as if a darker stain was applied and the stock refinished.

 

[toot]

GRIE are ITALIAN made reproductions, not an original period gun. what is the price?

 

[Eras Gone]

I'm with Musketeer. Something not right about the gun to be a Pedersoli. It might be a parts musket built around a Pedersoli lock. It might be a nice musket overall, but the price is too steep, even for a bonified used Pedersoli.

 

[Allenby]

My initial reaction was that it was an Indian made Bess . 1200 is too much. We’ve all walked away when it doesn’t feel right.

 

[Loyalist Dave]

Thank you! I’m probably going to pass because he’s asking 1250 , I can buy a new one on gb for that shipped

So the reason folks are noting "oddities" is because it was made from a vintage Pedersoli Kit for Brown Bess. This is why the "teardrop" at the back of the lock and sideplate mortise is so pronounced, why there are no sling swivels nor holes for them, why the stock at the nose cap has an extreme angle where the wood meets the brass, and why the bayonet lug is in the wrong place..., not to mention the bluing and the stock finish. The ramrod internal channel needs work OR it's an aftermarket ramrod that needs shortening. Bayonet lug will need to be moved if a person was to use it for reenactment.....

I'd be curious to mic the bore, as some of the really old Pedersoli Bess and kits were actually .730 (12 gauge)

The seller has been exposed to some mind altering substance, thinking the piece is worth $1250.00 Typical, folks see them offered for sale new, and then think "Mine's as nice or nicer", and decide that MUST be what it's worth. Such sellers tend to be a royal P.I.T.A. when deficiencies in their piece are pointed out and a fair price is offered. Often as though you told them their child was butt ugly...

IF a person was just looking for a "shooter" of a brown Bess, TOP bid should be $800 including shipping (imho). IF one was a reenactor, looking to bring it back to reenactment use..., So debluing, reposition of ramrod lug, installation of sling swivels, correct the ramrod, and refinish the stock..., $650 tops.

LD

 

[JCKelly]

There should be markings of some kind, either on top the bbl near breech, or underneath the bbl

Me I'd let someone else have it & buy a :genuine" Pedersoli

 

[Loyalist Dave]

There should be markings of some kind, either on top the bbl near breech, or underneath the bbl

Unless the person who finished the kit "defarbed" it by removing the markings. Hopefully the Italian proofing marks are still there somewhere...

LD