Scarce British Pattern 1742 Long Land Musket, ca. 1740

Description

Featuring smoothbore 41 7/8″ barrel of .79 caliber, with ring decoration at the breech; the
top lightly marked “No-174″. Slightly curved convex unbridled lock plate with pointed tail,
marked “R/WATKIN” below the pan; rounded swan-neck cock. R. Watkin (first name not
recorded), had a shop in London, circa 1710-1740, making flintlock holster pistols and
muskets. Steel spring with pointed finial; the sear and steel with assembly numbers “II”.
Walnut full stock with high comb and long handrail butt, the left side marked “Y+C/31″;
raised oval carving around the barrel rang. Brass mounts including serpentine side plate,
trigger guard with long tang and acorn finials, butt plate with long stepped tang, three
ramrod pipes, and vacant shield-shaped escutcheon behind the barrel tang. Steel sling
swivels and ramrod with button head and threaded end. Overall length 57 3/4″. Very good
condition, the steel with dark brown patina, brass with deep mustard patina, stock a deep
brown with scattered dings and dents. Lock functions properly. Few of these Long Land
pattern muskets survive, and are the type used in the French and Indian War and American
Revolution.