Lovell's pattern sea service rifled musket, 1852 model, British (c 1854)

Title	Lovell's pattern sea service rifled musket, 1852 model
Nationality	British
Period	c 1854

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This rare musket (approx .70 calibre) was a modified version, by virtue of the rifling, of the earlier Lovell's pattern smooth bore musket. These government issued rifled muskets had a fairly short life, as they were soon replaced by the new Enfield patterns (.577 calibre). They were used by Royal Marines and sailors.

It has a 30.5 inch barrel and is marked on the flat of the stock 'WILLIAMS & POWELL // LIVERPOOL', who were gunmakers of this period. The barrel has the requisite ordnance punches on the breach and there is a small crown above a number, just visible under the Willliams & Powell stamp. This is unquestionably an ordnance issue weapon, but with the unusual feature of lacking the bayonet spring clip (see the one in the photograph, which is for sale elsewhere on my website). For some reason, this example was almost certainly made without it, since there is no sign of, for instance, a hole in the brass fore end cap to accommodate the spring.

It is just possible that Williams & Powell acquired this piece from the government, hence their mark on the flat of the stock over the government inspector's stamp.

The sights are East India Company type combat sights, unlike the usual ramp sight, which was often found with this weapon.

The condition of the bore is certainly good enough to shoot (at owner's risk!), there being some minor rust marking in the last four inches at the muzzle, the rest being virtually mint. The walnut stock is in excellent order and has all its original fittings in place.

The bayonet that would have gone with this gun, fitting on to the spring clip, is also available elsewhere on my website.

If you want to comment on this item—re quality, age, etc—please email me.

[Firearms : Percussion Longarms : British : 19th Century]

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