Ketland & Co British Flintlock | Military Arms of the 18th-19th Century

May 16

Please note the correction comment below.

"Ketland/& Co." marked lock, fancy script initials inscribed on the circular brass escutcheon on top of the stock wrist, and Ordnance private crown proofs on the left of the breech surrounding "GR". This circa 1775-1800 officers fusil was made with a high level of fit and finish, likely for a high ranking individual. Features a sighting groove at the breech, brass fittings, and wedges securing the barrel.

Correction

After posting this video, user @nonsibi1087 left this comment:

Nice piece, but not an officer's fusil, nor even a sergeant's. It appears to be a classy British militia musket of the sort that was privately available to individuals who could afford to display their heightened status reflecting pride in membership in the organized militia in the British Isles. This musket likely never went on campaign overseas but appeared on scheduled Training Days for the specific militia. No fusil would have a full-length long land pattern barrel in full musket bore (.75" caliber). Fusils were generally somewhat smaller bore (often ~.65") and significantly shorter in length. Offcer's fusils were frequently ornamented with decorative engraving, too. The officers were required to provide their own personal weapons. An important distinction is between the militia and the regular (full-time) land forces: this gun is likely a militia musket purchased by a well-heeled gentleman militia enlisted man who served in an elite locally-raised militia unit.

I present the comment here in full acknowledgment that I’ve goofed up on this piece. My sincere apologies. I’m working on organizing some sources to correct this matter.