British Armory Musket
A friend of mine has had a rifle passed down to him by his grandfather and is wondering what it is and approximate value. It is a smoothbore, flintlock musket. The markings I can see are "British Armory 1762" and the word "GRICE". It also has a crown with the letters "GR" under the crown. He would like to know any history behind this rifle if any. Thanks.
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Sounds like a Long Land Pattern Brown Bess..Need a Photo and discription to be sure........Best...
Captain Kirk, Tech Staff<P><BR>0 -
The good captkirk is right. More info is needed. Grice was a well known maker. If it is indeed an original unaltered 1762 long land pattern musket is is worth very serious money. On the down side there were many guns that were cobbled up from used parts, Grice locks included, that would be worth a lot less altho made in the flint period. Also there are modern long land pattern reproductions made using Grice marked locks, worth $250 or more depending on condition. I have a repro Grice lock made in Italy about 30 years ago, nicely made but wouldn't fool anyone knowledgeable in guns of that period. Hope this helps. 0 -
Thanks for the info. I will get more info on the gun. Any advice on telling the difference between an original and a repro? 0 -
Both the capt. and rhmc4 gave real good advice. Is the ramrod wood or metal, what markings are on the barrel if any, barrel length, and other factors determine as to real or repro. I have a repro 2nd model bess and have seen many real ones as well. Pictures speak volumes as to telling you more as to what you have. If you could post some pictures please do so. As to history, the British Brown Bess has been in wars on almost all continents of this globe. The Mexicans were using them in the mid 1800's and they6 were traded to African tribes up until the late 1800's. Check the caliber with calipers or precision bore gauge. 0
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