Tower, 1877 Dated, Native Sergeants Pattern 1858, 2 Band, Smoothbore .600” Percussion Musket. Sn - 23174:37 Tower, 1877 Dated, Native Sergeants Pattern 1858, 2 Band, Smoothbore .600” Percussion Musket. Sn - 23174:3737 Muzzleloader Various Rifle

The Indian army prior to the Mutiny was army with the same 3 band Enfield rifle as the British troops. After the Mutiny of 1857, the Indian troops were armed only with smoothbore muskets with a simple V rear sight and a block foresight. This is an original Tower produced 2 band native sergeants smoothbore percussion musket in .600 inch calibre with the correct iron fittings. This is a Native Sergeants Pattern 1858, 2 Band, smoothbore .600” percussion musket was the equivalent of the Enfield pattern 1856 sergeants rifle, only smoothbore and could only accept a socket bayonet. The musket is fitted with 2 barrel bands, with a barrel length of 33 inches with an overall length of 49 inches. The 2 line lock plate is stamped with the Queens crown over V.R TOWER over 1877 (date) and 2 Tower inspection marks. The barrel is retained by 2 iron barrel bands and has Tower proof and inspection marks at the breech. The barrel is fitted with a simple U backsight and an inverted V fore sight. The musket has the correct iron fittings complete with the correct sergeants sling swivels, one at the top barrel band and the other behind the trigger guard. The musket has a smooth bore with a diameter of .600 inches and minor staining and residue due to age and service. The left hand side of the butt is stamped with a Tower roundel with an inspection mark. The cocking and firing action works crisply and retains the original iron ramrod.. The barrel has a smooth finish and the woodwork The wood furniture has the normal bumps and bruises to be expected with age and service use. See RB 45 on page 8, Catalogue of the Enfield Pattern Room, British Rifles, published by Her Majesty’s Stationary Office. The price includes UK delivery. NB As an antique muzzle loading musket, no licence is required to own this in the UK if retained as a part of a collection or display. Sn 23174:37