- Joined
- Jun 17, 2019
- Messages
- 8,383
- Reaction score
- 9,771
I have an India-made Bess from the 1982 time frame; it came from an estate auction and appears in all respects a much higher-grade musket than most Indian- mades. A very knowledgeable source informed me that it is from the Rajasthan Armory company, one of the better makers at that time in Udaipour. (Hope I've got the spelling right!). Anyway, it's extremely well fit, even the touch hole is exactly where you want it and the perfect size, unlike a Pedersoli Bess I also have, that has a touch-hole off center, and appears too small! I do recall having taken it apart and doing some sanding and staining back in the late 80's on it, and with it's nicely fitted bayonet and the sling I had, it's very handsome at 9.8 lbs. BTW, the person who owned it, did the Geo. Washington impression for many years at Washington Crossing Park in NJ; I can't say the name as I'm not 100% sure about that. Musket doesn't appear to have ever been fired. The pan does have some firing staining, so maybe it was proofed? I Did have the frizzen (hammer) hardened. It's .740 cal., as is my Pedersoli. Rajasthan Armory company was re-organized and re-named back in the 80's. Thanks.