The Brown Bess musket was issued to British infantry for over a century.  This musket conquered more armies and more countries than any other firearm in history.  Over the 100 years of its issue several variations were produced refelceting various improvements.  The 3rd Model had a 39" barrel and an overall length of 55 1/4" with a weight of 9.68 lbs.  This particlular example was one of the versions of the 3rd Model manufactured for trade.  It was not made for British army issue as it would not have passed inspection.  As a trade piece it was made to far less stringent specifications, much like Wal Mart products today.  The 3rd Model began production circa 1797 and continued for several decades.  This piece was well-used but is intact and all original.  The lock won't hold but that can be repaired by any competent gunsmith.  Very nice example of a 3rd Model Brown Bess, the gun that took on the world.

This is a nice example of a British trade pistol designed for export for the American market.  This gun would have appealed to military officers, traders, and men of means.  It was a sturdy and reliable weapon.  The gun features a 9 1/4" brass barrel, walnut stock, and overall length of 14 3/4".  The gun is functioning, the wood is very good.  The escutchion sideplate bears the engraved name of the original owner "John Fuller."  Ramrod is missing, but otherwise the piece is very desirable.

Here is another beautiful British pistol from the golden age of the flintlock.  Made about 1820 this .58 calibre gun featured a brass barrel, walnut stock, and metal parts.  Officers and gentlemen of means would have all been potential cuatomers for such a weapon.  The mellow brass barrel measures 9" and the overall length is 14 3/4" long.  The word "London" is stamped on the top of the barrel.  The mechanics require the work of a gunsmith to make functional, but that doesn't detract from the eye-appeal of this weapon.

This is a cute little pocket pistol made in Belgium circa 1790.  It is fully functional and all original with a brass barrel and bore of approxiametly .56 calibre.  The barrel is 3 1/4" long and overall length is 7 1/2".  This gun has been well cared for over the years and displays very well.

I believe this flintlock pistol hails from Italy circa 1750.  It is in good condition with a 13 1/2" barrel and overall length of 20 1/2" approximately.  The bore is about .60 calibre.  The stock is beautifully carved as is the barrel with silver inlay and delicate scrollwork.  Looks great with a chest of dubloons!

Here is an 18th century Turkish flintlock pistol with a 14 1/4" barrel, decorative gold inlay on top of barrel with silver butt, triggerguard, and sideplates.  The stock is delicately scrolled and even the iron is decorated.  The butt culminates in a silver star and crescent motif.  This weapon was designed for a man of wealth and position.  The overall design reveals European influences.  The rod is faux--merely a part of the stock.  This, like many others of its kind, used a seperate combination rod and gun tool.  This gun is all original.  The internal mechanism is worn and the gun won't hold a cock, but a gunsmith could remedy that.  Reasonably priced.

Here is a French Gendarme flintlock pistol dated 1771 made by the renowned gunmaker, Charleville.  It has a 5-inch barrel with walnut stock and wood ramrod.  The top of the barrel bears the faint engraving "1771" and the letter "M" stamped along with numbers "71" on the side of the barrel opposite the hammer.  All parts are original but the internal mechanism is worn and won't hold in the cocking position.  The rear of the stock retains traces of a name inked into the wood.  Nice 18th century Gendarme piece.

Here is another typical Richmond Arsenal product.  The famed Richmond rifle-musket was configured on the US Model 1855 rifle-musket featuring a walnut stock, iron mountings, brass buttplate and brass nosecap, iron ramrod with tulip head, casehardened lock, and bright finish.  The basis for the rifles made and assembled at the Richmond Arsenal were parts and machinery captured from Harpers Ferry Armory in 1861.  Since the parts and machinery were for the Model 1855, the Confederate arms makers in Richmond simply continued with that format.  As the war continued, salvaged battlefield ordnance were re-used as replacement parts and a number of Richmonds were assembled with substitute parts.  This weapon is a Richmond arsenal product using a Model 1855 barrel and stock with Richmond parts for the front band, buttplate, lockplate, and ramrod.  It is obvious that the parts were assembled before the weapon was put into action.  The rear sight is missing and there is evidence of use in the stock and pitting around the hammer and nipple from firing.  The soldier who carried this weapon carved his initials in the stock and the gun bears the scars and wear of his patriotism.  Good gun, good provenance.

The Richmond rifle-musket was the quintessential Confederate longarm.  More of these were produced than any other Confederate longarm.  The weapon was modeled after the US Model 1855 and 1861 rifled-muskets.  Walnut stock, iron mountings, brass buttplate and forend cap, iron ramrod with tulip head.  The guns was finished bright with a casehardened lock.  The Richmonds were made from machinery and parts seized at Harpers Ferry Armory in 1861 and transported to Richmond.  This explains the distinctive "hump" of the lock as the forgings and dies from the Model 1855 lockplate were employed.  Throughout the war Richmond recieved a steady supply of battlefield salvage.  Usable and interchangeable parts were put back into service with new and/or repaired weapons.  When the Yankees took Richmond in 1865 many Richmond rifle parts were seized and carried off as souvenirs.  A few unscrupulous modern collectors and dealers replaced Model 1855 rifles with original Richmond lockplates to elevate the value of their Civil War arm since the locks are interchangeable.  As a result, buyers must be cautious when buying Richmonds.  This example has been thouroughly examined.  It is an authentic, original Richmond.  However, the rod and stirrup are replaced and it is possible the nosecap is a Federal replacemnent.  These may have been done during the war by the Johnny who carried the piece or even by the Richmond Arsenal.  The stock has been lightly sanded--as were many--but this doesn't detract from the piece.  This is a great Richmond rifle-musket with excellent provenance. 

William Dickson and Owen Nelson founded the firm that produced the rare Dickson, Nelson rifles.  Their company was named the Shakanoosa Arms Co, but few collectors know them by that name.  Their .58 calibre rifle was modeled after the US Model 1841 rifle with walnut or cherry stock and brass mountings.  The barrel was 33" fastened by two bands with a brass nose cap at forend.  This example is very nice with original parts and no apologies.

Here is a very nice Confederate rifle produced by J.P. Murray for Greenwood & Gray of Columbus, Georgia.  The company produced an unknown quantity of firearms under contract to the state of Alabama.  The rifle was modeled after the US Model 1841.  Walnut stock, barrel length is 33" with two brass barrel bands and brass forend cap.  Sling swivels are iron.  The rifle took a sabre bayonet and was mounted with a brass adapter ring and stud.  This example is in very good condition showing use but no abuse.

The Richmond carbine has long been a popular weapon with Civil War collectors. Here is a fine example of one that "saw the elephant." The gun shows evidence of combat in the pitting around the nipple and the bore wear. Most significant is the fact that the Reb who carried this weapon carefully filed a peepsight in gun's rear sight. Nice touch. The hammer and one of the bands are Federal but were most likely period replacements. The stock was sanded at one time but does not detract from the appearance as it was done long ago. Great gun at a decent price.