I have a Bess that was made in Japan I think. The lock is marked Tower, does anyone have any thoughts on these.
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Japan made Bess
- Thread starter rusty
- Start date
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Steve44thRgt
32 Cal.
- Joined
- May 29, 2004
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Hi Rusty!
My `India pattern` BrownBess is also stamped with the Tower mark. Over here in England we have our Bess stocks made in India to the origional `India pattern`. The musket is shipped back to England and tested at the ordnance centre in Birmingham. The barrel will then be stamped with the crown `proof mark`.
The actual `Tower` stamp is just behind the cock on the lockplate. I also have a `Long land pattern` Bess which has `Stowe 1775` instead of Tower. As there were government armouries at the Tower of London, Stowe and other towns around the country, I reckon this is why yours is a copy of the type stored at the Tower of London.
Looks like your Bess got herself lost somewhere because she is a long way from home! Do you have a serial number stamped on the musket butt? I know the guy who imports India pattern Bess muskets for the English market and I may be able to dig out some history of who owned her before you (if it is indeed one of his!).
My `India pattern` BrownBess is also stamped with the Tower mark. Over here in England we have our Bess stocks made in India to the origional `India pattern`. The musket is shipped back to England and tested at the ordnance centre in Birmingham. The barrel will then be stamped with the crown `proof mark`.
The actual `Tower` stamp is just behind the cock on the lockplate. I also have a `Long land pattern` Bess which has `Stowe 1775` instead of Tower. As there were government armouries at the Tower of London, Stowe and other towns around the country, I reckon this is why yours is a copy of the type stored at the Tower of London.
Looks like your Bess got herself lost somewhere because she is a long way from home! Do you have a serial number stamped on the musket butt? I know the guy who imports India pattern Bess muskets for the English market and I may be able to dig out some history of who owned her before you (if it is indeed one of his!).
