Real Brown Bess or Trade Gun

[Skyler200]

wondering if this is a trade gun or an actual brown Bess musket that has been cut down. Don't seem to see any TOWER marks or date on the lock. Not sure if its been worn off or what. Haven't heard back from the auction company.
link to the page here

 

[dave_person]

Hi,
I believe it is an actual pattern 1777 Brown Bess that was cut down a lot. The lock markings were probably filed off when the lock was converted to percussion. The lock would have had a crown over GR and "TOWER" but no date at this period.

dave

 

[Skyler200]

Hi,
I believe it is an actual pattern 1777 Brown Bess that was cut down a lot. The lock markings were probably filed off when the lock was converted to percussion. The lock would have had a crown over GR and "TOWER" but no date at this period.

dave

What about that brass that's supposed to be behind the tang on the stock? Do some just not have that?

 

[dave_person]

Hi Skyler,
That is a good observation that I missed. The militia and marine muskets, which would be very similar did not have thumb plates. If that was the case then there should be a screw holding down the forward extension of the butt plate tang. Also there is no sear screw showing on the lock suggesting it is a replacement. In any case, this gun suffered major alterations.

dave