? id mfg of repro brown bess

Picked up at antique gun show of all places.GR under funky crown on lock forward of the cock.Tower on tail. On left side what appears to be the letter s surrounded by 4 broken circles sn 2227 right behind. it. Not another mark on it.Mikes .747. Guy on NSSA web page thought it might be 70s era Japan but no conformation. Nearly new cond. Thanks for looking.

 

[Wes/Tex]

The Japanese Bess has a rather flattened look to the trigger guard. Rumor is that they used an original with a flattened guard and copied it to the 'letter'. Pictures would help.

 

Thanks for the reply Tex. Don't have the capability to post photos. Triggerguard may have a slightly flatter look on bottom as thought it had been wacked but definitly not made of flat stock. My only chance is for someone to id the proof.

 

[threepdr]

Sounds like a Jap Bess made by Miroku. The Jap besses were also made without sling swivels. Those that have them were added later. The Jap bess trigger guard is shaped a little goofy with the front of the bow slightly larger than the back. I also will not have the screw in the trigger guard behind the trigger bow unless it has been "authenticized".

 

Yes 3 pounder, trigger guard is as described as well as no screw rear of triggerguard. Has blued sling swivels and old buff sling. Also has brass flash protecter. Nearly new condition. If shot, well maintained. Do you recognise the circle s proof. I just posted on another forum to a guy that was looking for a rev war repro that I would sell it , perhaps under market, if I knew a fair price. Another reply on another forum sad some locks had problems but if you got a good one it was a keeper. Should I sell it to a newbe I would like to apprise him of possible pitfalls as I am in the shooting sports to enjoy and propagate them and not to sell some one short to make a buck. Thanks for the reply. SW in oh so warm Georgia.

 

[spudnut]

I had a japenese bess for my first flintlock and have regreted selling it ever since..Mark