Liege Contract Short Land Pattern Musket

Description:

Liege Contract Short Land Pattern Musket, c. 1778-83, 41 13/16 in., .80 caliber round barrel with ring decoration at the breech, stamped twice on the left side with "IG" in a sunken square cartouche, and with Tower ordnance proof marks on the top; double bridle lock with double line border engraving, pointed tail engraved "TOWER" in wide shaded letters, and crown over "GR" below the pan, the inside of the lock plate stamped "LB" in a sunken square cartouche, rear side nail "III" assembly number; walnut stock with carved plateau around the breech plug tang, the right side of the butt with storekeeper's mark, the inside of the side plate mortice with "VIII" assembly number, the rammer channel devoid of any markings; brass furniture standard for pattern including a butt plate with pointed finial, thumb piece, trigger guard with acorn finial, flat side plate with inside surface stamped "DN" and with file cut "VIII" assembly number, four rammer pipes the upper being a long trumpeted pipe and the second a tapering pipe; steel rammer with button head and threaded base, overall lg. 57 3/4 in.
Estimate $3,000-5,000

Iron toned to a mottled gray/brown, minor/moderate pitting at the breech and pan area of the lock; steel screw has been replaced, steel spring appears to be a period replacement using an ordnance spring, top jaw and jaw screw are replacements, forward side nail is replaced; stock has scattered dings and dents, small area of wood fill at the front of the lock mortice, short cracks and small areas of wood restoration along the edge of the forestock; rammer is not original.


Items may have wear and tear, imperfections, or the effects of aging. Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.