Ref 3182. A rare Napoleonic era Baker short rifle or Flintlock carbine with a Nock enclosed lock. Muzzleloader None Rifles

Largest selection of genuine antique weapons for sale in UK. See our website andrewbottomley.com. Ref 3182. A fine and rare Napoleonic era British military Baker flintlock short rifle or carbine fitted with a Nock patent enclosed action lock. Circa 1800-1815. Calibre approx .69 and with very heavy rifling. The Lock-plate engraved in script with the makers name -"H. NOCK". Brass trigger guard, ramrod pipes, patch box and brass butt-plate. Fitted with two iron sling swivels and its original iron ramrod. The butt fitted with a brass hinged patch box and period leather shoulder-pad. Engraved on the tang of the butt-plate with the number 46.? The breech block engraved H. NOCK PATENT''. The 26 inch barrel fitted with correct bayonet lug. The lock action is very crisp and is as good as the day it was made. The Baker rifle was first produced around 1800 by Ezekiel Baker, a master gunsmith from Whitechapel, London. British regiments were issued with the Baker rifle during the Napoleonic Wars and they were used in Canada during the War of 1812. Bakers were also supposedly carried by Mexican soldiers at the Battle of the Alamo. Captain Barber of the Duke of Cumberland Sharpshooters wrote in 1804 that a third class marksman should be able to put 5 out of 6 balls in an 8" circle at 100 yards, a second class marksman must be able to do the same at 200 yards, and a first class marksman must be able to do the same at 300 yards but he could use a rest at this range. Probably the most famous shot fired from a Baker rifle during the Napoleonic wars was by Rifleman Thomas Plunkett of the 1st battalion 95th rifle regiment, lying on his back with the sling of his Rifle wrapped around his foot, took careful aim and shot the French Cavalry General Colbert in the head at well over 300 yards and then after reloading also shot the French Trumpeter who dashed over to check on the General with a head shot also. Overall length 46 inches. A small scratch to the stock and a crack in the wood fore-end by the muzzle end sling swivel, otherwise in very good condition overall with a few minor dings and scratches. These Baker carbines are a much rarer item than the standard Baker rifle and are becoming extremely difficult to find especially in good condition. On a very recent internet search we found no other Baker flintlock carbine available for sale in the U.K. Ref 3182. This is an obsolete antique item and is sold as a collectors item only. No Licence is required in the United Kingdom. If you wish to purchase this item please visit our website andrewbottomley.com where you can pay by credit/debit card. Established 1968.