A PATTERN 1776 TYPE RIFLE BY MORRIS
A British military volunteer’s rifle of the last quarter of the 18th century, modeled on the Ordnance Pattern 1776 Rifle. 28 in. L octagonal barrel of 0.68 caliber bore retaining its original browning, key-fastened and with false- or hook-breech, with rear sight (one fixed and two hinged leaves); vacant holes near muzzle that once supported ramrod swivel, rifled with seven grooves, sighted fore-end, and tang bearing an engraved, stringed bugle horn, with Tower private proof marks near breech on left side. Flat beveled border, engraved lock with crowned GR before the cock and 'MORRIS' across the tail, flat, goose-neck cock with edging, double-fence (water-less), teaspoon-shaped pan, and feather-spring with roller. Figured walnut, full stock with brass mounts near-identical to those found on the Pattern 1776 rifle, including spur trigger-guard with acorn finial, three wide ramrod pipes (a steel ramrod spring between the fore-pipe and middle pipe), flat “tailed” sideplate, and nose-cap indented at top edges for missing swivel; and original, steel ramrod. The butt has a hinged patch-box cover similar to that found on the Pattern 1805 Baker, which is believed to be a later addition. Overall length: 44 in. Light toning to lock and false breech of the barrel (originally finished bright) and slight bruising to wood, otherwise in very good condition and lock in excellent condition and working order. The finest and most complete specimen of this pattern rifle by Morris currently extant.
. Item #25Price: $10,500.00