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Revolutionary War Musket ID
- Thread starter mydquin
- Start date
lexington1
New member
I know this is a little late, but I just noticed this thread. This is a smoothbore gun built by William Grice. It has his proofmark on the barrel and I believe that's what left of his name on the lock. Judging by the furniture I would say it was built anytime in the 1760-1780 era (a rough guestimate). The lock has only one rear lock screw showing, which pretty much went out of style by 1777 or so.
It has sling swivels, so was probably either built for an officer or retro-fitted later. Grice was a major contractor for locks, barrels and ramrods for British muskets of the period and he did quite a bit of stuff for the commercial trade as well. I would place the value at $2000 -2500 give or take.
The triggerguard and buttplate are engraved in typical trade style patterns of the period. That is a really cool piece and nothing about it would detract from the plausiblity of the story of its acquisition.
It has sling swivels, so was probably either built for an officer or retro-fitted later. Grice was a major contractor for locks, barrels and ramrods for British muskets of the period and he did quite a bit of stuff for the commercial trade as well. I would place the value at $2000 -2500 give or take.
The triggerguard and buttplate are engraved in typical trade style patterns of the period. That is a really cool piece and nothing about it would detract from the plausiblity of the story of its acquisition.
A bit more research shows that Thomas Barden did in fact serve in Ezra Ormsbee's militia in 1776 according to The History of Warren, Rhode Island, in the War of The Revolution, 1776 - 1783 by Virginia Baker, Warren, RI, 1901, p38-40.
Moreover, Ormsbee's militia, serving under General Gates & General St. Clair, retreated from Fort Ticonderoga to Saratoga for the big battle according to this site. http://www.gaspee.org/EzraOrmsbee.html
Moreover, Ormsbee's militia, serving under General Gates & General St. Clair, retreated from Fort Ticonderoga to Saratoga for the big battle according to this site. http://www.gaspee.org/EzraOrmsbee.html
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