Very Scarce English Late 18th Century, Pattern 1756 Light Dragoon .65 inch Carbine Bore Musket by Cantelo and Triangular Socket Bayonet. Sn Very Scarce English Late 18th Century, Pattern 1756 Light Dragoon .65 inch Carbine Bore Musket by Cantelo and Triangular Socket Bayonet. Sn Muzzleloader Various Rifle

This is a late 18th-century flintlock musket made by English gunsmith William Cantelo, known for producing firearms, including muskets with distinctive features. The carbine was originally issued to artillery serving in North America beginning in 1756 and proved rugged and versatile. Soon, NCOs and officers adopted the artillery carbines instead of halberds and swords when in the field. By 1758, several Highland Regiments and Light Infantry Companies were also using the carbines. By the following year, several British regiments had exchanged all or part of their regular muskets for artillery carbines. This is a Pattern 1756 Artillery Officers .65 inch Carbine Bore Musket by Cantelo and has the appearance of a reduced size Brown Bess but with a .65 inch carbine bore. The musket has a 34 inch barrel with an overall length of 49 inches. The musket bears all of the hallmarks of a Brown Bess but with reduced sized components and brass fittings. The barrel has 3 turned brass ramrod pipes retained by cross pins and the barrel is retained by 3 cross pins. The stock has a brass nose cap held on by a single cross pin. The brass trigger guard has a small finial at the front and a Brown Bess iron trigger. The brass butt plate is also of reduced size and is engraved with the rack number 7. The iron lock plate is of the Baker style with a small tail at the rear. The early beveled lock plate with single line engraving has an elegant swan necked cock fitted with single line engraving. The musket is fitted with a triangular socket bayonet 20 ¼ inches long with a 17 inch blade. The musket is fitted with a quality walnut stock which is in excellent condition. The carbine has a smooth bore with light staining from use. The foresight stud doubles as a bayonet lug. The action works as it should. See page 50, item 48 in British Military Longarms 1715-1815 by D.W.Bailey The price includes UK delivery. NB This is a scarce and desirable antique musket and no licence is required to own it in the UK if retained as a part of a collection or display. Sn 23073