British Pattern 1742 Brown Bess Musket
This Pattern 1742 "Brown Bess" musket was built by David Stavlo from parts cast by The Rifle Shoppe. This museum quality piece is a true recreation of one of the most famous weapons used during the French & Indian and Revolutionary Wars; and features all correct finishes and markings.
The stock was carved from straight grained Walnut. David hand-fit each component to the stock to make sure the fit was similar to what's found on original Besses, finding De Witt Bailey's Pattern Dates for British Ordnance Small Arms, 1718-1783 and The Brown Bess by Erik Goldstein and Stuart Mowbray to be excellent resources to aide in the process. David was able to work the stock down to the graceful profile of the original "Long Land Pattern" Brown Bess; with special attention paid to the lock mouldings, wrist, and forestock. The stock was burnished like the originals before being finished with linseed oil. As an added bonus, David was able to inspect an original Ordnance Pattern 1742 Brown Bess and copy the gun's markings. This allowed us to have a full set of Baker proofmarks/store keeper's marks made to the exact specifications of those found on originals. These stamps were applied the the butt stock, barrel, tang and trigger guard of the Bess; making it a perfect replica - right down to the smallest of details.
With the stock finished, the work continued with the finishing of the gun's metal. David soldered the lugs to the barrel in the exact locations as original muskets using information provided in DeWitt Bailey's Pattern Dates book. He also machined a correct dovetailed bayonet lug from a block of iron again using dimensions provided in Pattern Dates. With this finished, the barrel was then draw filed and polished before the correct proof marks were stamped.
The lock and furniture were all hand finished and polished, and a set of original Brown Bess swivels were installed. The lock was sent to a professional engraver to have all of the cast-in engraving hand-chased; which really makes all the details "pop".
The brass furniture was hand finished and polished and installed on the finished stock.
Finally, David test-fired the gun and was very impressed with how reliable and fast the lock was. Even though its a massive gun, this Pattern 1742 handles very well.