Antique British Volunteer Musket, T. Ketland, A.K.A. Commercial Brown Bess

A Fine Musket of Ordinance Quality in Fine Original Condition, Private Contract. .69-caliber, Osborne & Gunby bayonet

British homeland defense volunteers flourished between 1794 and 1804 in reaction to the threat of invasion and the affirmed inability of the militia and regular forces to putdown any invasion. The volunteers' muskets [not provided by the government] did not bear ordinance marks as is the case with this example by Thomas Ketland whose company operated in Birmingham, England, beginning about 1760; the Kentland's become one of the most prominent and active British makers of the day. Beautiful and fine walnut stock having a finely checkered wrist; teardrop flats and a wonderfully carved raised beavertail centering breach tang. The lock is marked "T/KETLAND/& Co". Breech end of the barrel displays three proof marks. Brass trigger guard and buttplate, steel ramrod within three brass pipes; brass forend cap and sideplate. The bright metal surfaces are smooth and clean; action is tight. Example British Military Longarm!

Measurement: Overall length: 55"; barrel length: 39.25"

Reference: See Man at Arms, Volume 41, Number 6, December 2019; pp. 14-21, The British Volunteer Musket by Joe Puleo.

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