3195

JOSHUA & CHARLES BARSTOW EXETER, NEW HAMPSHIRE

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:1,000.00 USD Estimated At:2,000.00 - 3,000.00 USD
JOSHUA & CHARLES BARSTOW EXETER, NEW HAMPSHIRE

1808 CONTRACT MUSKET. Cal. 69. NSN. Standard configuration w/ 44 5/8" bbl. held by 3 spring retained bands which has U.S. eagle head & V proofs at rear. Lock w/ flat plate marked "U.S." over eagle over "EXETER" in front of cock & w/ date "180B"(sic). It's interesting to note that the makers initials do not appear on this lock. Lock features standard reinforced cock, integral pan, bridled friction frizzen & feather spring w/ spear finial. Interior of lock is stamped "W.C". American walnut stock of Springfield pattern is iron mounted & there are no noted inspectors initials. Left side of butt is branded "E. ROOT" & right side has carved initials "WLM" w/ "WW" carved over at a later date. CONDITION: good. Iron parts w/ old brown patina. Stock w/ original oil finish w/ considerable hand wear & many marks & dings. Area above lock adjacent to bbl. tang has separated & shows early tack repairs. Some wood is missing toward tail of lock. Bbl. channel is generally good w/ some slivers missing mostly on left side toward muzzle. Cock & retaining screw appear to be a later correct style replacement. Dark rusted bore. Lock is operable. PROVENANCE: From the Collection of James B. Taylor. (01-20485/MGM). ANTIQUE. $2,000-3,000.