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Baker Model 1800 Volunteer Perc. Rifle, by Ketland

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:4,000.00 USD Estimated At:8,000.00 - 12,000.00 USD
Baker Model 1800 Volunteer Perc. Rifle, by Ketland
Auction Location:

16600 Aston Street
Irvine, CA
Baker Model 1800 Volunteer Flintlock Rifle, by Ketland, NSNV, .62 cal., 30'' barrel, bright finish, walnut stock. Rifle lock is marked ''Ketland & Co.'', ''(crown)/GR'' and ''(crown)/3''; Buttplate tang is marked ''B/32 A.R''. Brass wrist escutcheon shows remnants of gold plating, barrel is marked ''London'' with two ''(crown(/(crossed scepters)'' and ''(crown)/4'' markings. Stock is marked ''(crown)/?'' behind triggerguard. The Baker was a flintlock rifle used by the Rifle regiments of the British Army during the Napoleonic Wars. It was the first standard-issue British-made rifle accepted by the British armed forces. This rifle is marked to the Ayrshire Rifles. Mention is made of these rifles in Howard Blackmore's book, ''British Military Firearms, 1650-1850''. These rifles can be identified by having a slit-stock with no butt box, on which the line of the stock runs straight from the toe of the butt to the trigger, instead of being shaped over the triggerguard, and a plain fixed back sight. In March 1810, the Ayrshire Rifles' commanding officer, Lt. Col. Hamilton, was allowed the regulation price of muskets, provided they were regarded as public property. Condition is very good. Rifle has been cleaned with all steel parts showing even minor pitting. All brass parts are in excellent condition with clear markings. Stock is in very good condition showing the usual bumps and bruises but fits tight to metal parts with no evidence of sanding. Est.: $8,000-$12,000. (Antique)