British East India Company (HEIC) Pattern F Percussion Musket, .75 Caliber, 39 inch Barrel, c. 1840, HEIC Lion Mark, Birmingham Proofs
This antique British East India Company Pattern F percussion musket is a .75 caliber, 39 inch smoothbore built circa 1840. It bears the HEIC rampant lion on the lockplate, crowned-letter proof/inspection marks at the breech, and a small broad-arrow stamp, with configuration aligning to Pattern F arms used by the Bengal, Madras, and Bombay Presidency forces. It includes an International Military Antiques certificate dated March 30, 2020, confirming it as an original HEIC Model F percussion musket.
Condition
Overall Condition: Fair condition, showing extensive signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Overall Condition: Fair - Generally clean, some residue or smudges, slight corrosion.
This firearm is in solid shape for its age and background. There are widespread scratches and blemishes present. Pitting is present across the rifle. The bore shows pitting and blemishing. The guide rod does not appear to be original.
It is also too large and is stuck in the guide rod holder.
What's Included
- International Military Antiques (IMA) Certificate of Authenticity for HEIC Model F Percussion Musket, dated March 30, 2020
- Natural horn powder horn with wooden plugs and leather carry strap
This Pattern F musket follows the established HEIC configuration: a 39 inch round iron/steel smoothbore barrel in .75 caliber, single-shot muzzleloading percussion ignition, and a flat percussion lock with reinforced snail/bolster and a checkered-spur hammer. Its setup aligns with arms supplied to the Bengal, Madras, and Bombay Presidency armies in the mid-19th century.
Markings are a highlight. The lockplate shows the HEIC rampant lion. The breech area carries crowned-letter proof/inspection marks and a small broad-arrow stamp, with commercial Birmingham-style inspection/proof marks present. The trigger-guard tang is stamped "94," and the buttstock bears hand-applied rack or inventory characters.
Furniture and stocking details are consistent with the pattern: a full-length hardwood stock with a raised lock apron; two keyed wedge fasteners with elongated teardrop/arrowhead-shaped brass escutcheons; brass buttplate, long-bow trigger guard, nose cap, and three ramrod pipes. Sling swivels are fitted at the middle ramrod pipe and on the trigger-guard bow. Sighting consists of a rear sight at the breech, with a rectangular lug/mortise near the muzzle where a front sight would typically be fitted.
Documentation accompanies the musket. An International Military Antiques certificate states "Original British East India Company Model F Percussion Musket – circa 1840" and is dated March 30, 2020, supporting both its pattern identification and period. As configured and marked, this is a collectible HEIC percussion musket from the 1840 era.