British Short Land Pattern Fusil & Bayonet With B & J Cooper Marked Lock

British Short Land Pattern Fusil & Bayonet With B & J Cooper Marked Lock. The musket was imported from England and sent to New York City to the firm of Benjamin & Joseph Cooper, who were both gun makers and imports. There names are found on New England Militia Muskets, and other types of firearms from the early 1800s to the 1850s (Joseph is listed as an importer from 1831 – 1851),  and also supplied various parts for other gunsmiths in the Northeastern states.

This fusil has all the features of a British musket, particularly the use of Pratt’s Improvement ramrod pipes, that were introduced and used on muskets from 1777. It is safe to place this musket in the first quarter of the 19th Century. This musket could have been used in New England if purchased prior to 1808 before the introduction of the Massachusetts Proof Law of that same year.  The barrel proof is not one I am familiar with, a ‘STAR’ over a “P” in a sunken cartouche.

The overall length is 53.5 inches, with a pin fastened -smooth bore barrel in .75 caliber (approx), and stocked in walnut and showing a good deal of handling as the checkering at the wrist is worn, most on the right side.  All brass furniture, free of any embellishment.

The lockplate is 5 3/16 inches, with very little factory engraving on the hammer only, and marked below the pan, “B & J/  COOPER.” An original piece of flint sandwiched in leather is present and could be original to the musket.  The original frizzen spring is gone and now replaced with an old “make do.”  Lock action is sluggish, but does lock up at half and full cock. The ramrod is turned to accept cleaning / worn jag.  Most fortunately are the original remaining sling swivels.

Untouched patina overall.

The bayonet fits like a glove, and has the same patina. 14.5 inch blade with a fuller of 5.5 inches. The socket butts up to the brass nose cap and sets back from the muzzle about an 1/8 of an inch.

Purchased from a collector from Massachusetts southwest of Boston, near the Rhode Island border.