Pattern 1810 Musket-bore Infantry Baker Rifle

Ordnance Baker rifles are hard to find, an ordnance musket-bore Baker is next to impossible. Hence, here is a unique opportunity.

Between April and June, 1810 only 100 of these musket-bore Bakers were produced. In his book ‘British Military Flintlock Rifles 1740 – 1840’, Dr De Witt Bailey states that “at the time of writing only one example was known to have survived”. That example is in the Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds.

Before coming to Australia this example had been unattended and neglected for well over 100 years. The top jaw and screw were missing and the action frozen on full cock. After some TLC, we now have a good example of this very, rare Baker rifle.

The .70 caliber, seven groove rifling, round twist-iron barrel with a flat from the breech to the flip rear sights measures 30 ½ inches. The whole arm measuring 46 inches. The barrel also has the Baker sword-bar, Tower proofs and the barrel maker’s mark of ‘R & RS’ (Ramsay & Richard Sutherland of Brimingham).

The lock and cock have boarder line engraving. ‘TOWER’ appears on the lock tail, the Royal GR cypher in front of the cock and Government crowned arrow under the flash pan. As with the barrel, the makers ‘R & RS’ appears on the lock but in very minute letters.

NOTE: the top jaw, screw and cock screw are excellent replacements. And a warning, when found the action had been frozen in the full cock position for over a hundred years and the cock screw had to be removed. This has left the main spring in a brittle condition and under no circumstance should an attempt be made to engage the action.

The brass furniture is in good condition with the over-sized patch-box still containing the original cleaning jag issued with the rifle. The patch-box was made over-sized to accommodate the larger musket balls.

The full-length walnut stock is in good condition with no repairs and a clear store keepers mark in front of the patch-box.

If you have ever had the privilege to own or hold a Baker rifle you will notice that this one is notably heavier and chunkier than the smaller caliber rifles.

A rare opportunity to own a truly rare Napoleonic Era treasure. One that Mr Richard Sharpe would have appreciated.

Sold as a collector item only.

Price includes shipping within Australia, layby available.

Over seas can be arranged but at the buyer’s expense.