British Second Model Brown Bess Musket (AL5297)

This second model Brown Bess flintlock militia musket generally conforms to the pattern of 1777 Short Land Musket. It is approx. 57 1/2" in overall length. The round 76 caliber approx. 41 1/2" barrel has a fine bore showing lots of brightness. The barrel has a smooth brown patina. It has Birmingham proofs with SP between them and is marked LONDON on the top. This musket has been fired very little as there almost no erosion around the touchhole. The lock is marked CLARK at the center. It had a smooth brown patina. The cock is good overall with a couple areas of roughness on the forward curve. The brass furniture are fine with an even aged patina. The stock is fine with no chips or cracks. It is marked WP on the left flat and 15 on top of the comb just forward of the buttplate tang. The sideplate, which is rounded, is heavily stamped 15. The buttplate tang is stamped N.Y over 103. This definitely merits further research. The swivels and ramrod are present. The action functions correctly. With the rack/unit markings, this is most likely a volunteer/yeomanry musket. These units were raised and funded by the local duke/baron/viscount/earl/etc. to protect the area. This is a very nice example of the second model Brown Bess volunteer/yeomanry musket with interesting markings that need further research.