Here is an astounding piece of Colonial history. This pattern 1757 Sea Service musket was built by famed maker Grice during the height of the French and Indian War. As a Sea Service weapon, these guns were originally intended for use on ships and featured shorter barrels than a standard Brown Bess in order to accommodate the cramped quarters associated with 18th Century vessels. Sea service muskets were also not quite as fancy as infantry model muskets, and the trigger guard, butt plate and side plate were much simpler than those found on the Brown Bess. Sea Service muskets were also issued to Royal Marines.
This particular musket shows a lot of evidence of having spent a long life both on board a ship, or at the very least in a coastal armory, as all the steel parts are uniformly pitted as a result of prolonged exposure to moisture. The lock however, still retains its original markings, which remain legible. The lock also remains in its original flint lock configuration and was never converted to percussion - another rarity among British military muskets. The lock functions and none of its components are seized, but the cock does not hold reliably on either half or full cock. Our suspicion is that the lock simply needs to be oiled, but seeing as how it doesn't appear that this musket has been disassembled in a very long time, we'll leave that decision to the gun's new owner.
The stock is in surprisingly good condition. With no major cracks or chips an no rotten spots.
The barrel is full length and retains its original bayonet lug.
The furniture is all original and in good condition. There is a small crack in the side plate.
This incredibly rare musket is the perfect piece for any 18th Century collection. If this piece could talk it would certainly have some stories to tell. From fighting the French off the coast of North America, to defending the Carribean from pirates, to battling rebels at Bunker Hill, this musket is truly a piece of history.
