D-C 7874 Brownbess Musket . The Registration Act of 1843.

Brownbess Musket 

India Pattern.

39" Barrel.

D-C 7874

Although this weapon (D-C 7874) was registered in Dublin City the largest concentration of Brownbess muskets were to be registered within the 6 counties. i.e  Antrim, Armagh, Down, Fermanagh, Londonderry (Derry) and Tyrone.

Totals noted in this survey.

Antrim   Qty 7

Armagh Qty 22

Down  Qty 12

Fermanagh  Qty 13

Londonderry  Qty 11

Tyrone. Qty 10

The total weapons within this survey 1280.

The government had speculated that a total of 300.000 arms were in private hands. Our survey indicates approximately 200.000 having been registered.

In contrast this survey has found only three Brownbess muskets in Dublin City (DC) and none in Dublin County (DU).

The main reason this for this being that the regular forces were exempt from having weapons branded and these forces would have been concentrated within the Dublin area. The six counties being protected by Militia and Volunteer forces.

In the main the weapons found within this survey are converted India Pattern Brownbess Muskets.

 Tower marked lockplate with crowned GR cypher.

 Classic handrail stock the opposite side showing a crisp Board of Ordnance "BO" marking.

 As customary both barrel and buttplate are marked.

Our sincere thanks to the owner for photography and permission to publish. 

Dave Stroud. ramrodantiques.co.uk