Rare, NAPOELONEC WARS PERIOD, British Tower, .65 inch calibre, Baker Rifle by T. Ketland & Co & Matching Named Bayonet by Woolley. Sn Baker Rifle by T. Ketland & Co & Matching Named Bayonet by Woolley. Sn Muzzleloader Various Rifle

This is a rare, quality and original, circa 1801 British early Baker rifle by the famous gunsmith T. Ketland & Co together with the correct bayonet and scabbard. The rifle was invented by Ezekiel Baker, the Baker Rifle muzzle-loading flintlock rifle being the first British rifle to be used in British service. The rifle was first issued to the Rifle Brigade in 1800 and remained in use until 1838. Thomas Ketland Senior was a highly successful Birmingham gun maker. He started his business around 1760 and expanded into the export market around 1790. He died in 1816. This rifle has a 30 ¼ inch Damascus steel rifled barrel and is retained by 3 steel barrel wedges with an overall length of 45 ¾ inches and a bore of .67 inches. The 5 inch bevelled lockplate is stamped T KETLAND & CO also the crown over GR. The lockplate is fitted with an early first pattern swan necked cock and the frizzen is of the roller type. The Birmingham proofed barrel has 7 groove rifling with a clean bore and well-defined rifling with only minor staining from service use and is fitted with the correct Baker bayonet bar to the right hand side of the muzzle. The rear-sight has one folding leaf fitted on a shaped foot together with a German silver blade foresight. The rifles walnut stock is stocked to the muzzle with a brass nose cap and 2 brass ramrod pipes with the correct split ramrod channel. The stock is fitted with a cheek piece on the left hand side and has a Baker style 4 inch hinged patch box to the right hand side of the stock. The rifle is fitted with brass furniture with a brass escutcheon at the top of the wrist which is engraved G FULLER BATH and the initials GF are engraved on the crossguard of the matching bayonet. The rifle retains its correct pan headed swelled ramrod. The Damascus twist barrel has nice smooth surface with a nice patina and the 7 groove rifled bright bore. The walnut stock is in a nice condition with only minor knocks and bumps with age. The rifle is fitted with its matching sword bayonet with its brass mounted leather scabbard which is in excellent condition. The owners initials GF are engraved on the crossguard. The bayonet is made by Woolley which is stamped on the steel blade near the crossguard. See plate 78 in British Military Longarms 1715-1815 by D.W.Bailey and British Military Firearms 1650-1850 by Howard l. Blackmore. NB As an antique rifle no licence is required to own this item in the UK if retained as part of a collection or display. The price includes U.K. delivery. Sn 23072