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Musket 1982-8
Colonel's Purchase Musket for the 3rd. Guards
Musket 1982-8

Colonel's Purchase Musket for the 3rd. Guards

Dateca.1715
Artist/Maker William Predden
OriginEngland
MediumIron, steel, and wood
DimensionsOverall: 61 1/16"; Barrel: 44 3/4" x .82 caliber; Lock; 6 7/8" x 1 1/4"
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1982-8
DescriptionPrivately purchased infantry musket of the pattern made by William Predden for the Earl of Dunmore's 3rd. Guards. Walnut stock, rounded-faced "banana" shaped lock, iron mounts, and a wooden rammer.
Label TextThis early 18th c. British infantry musket is part of the stand of arms purchased by John Murray, 2nd Earl of Dunmore (1685-1752) around 1715 for the unit he commanded, the 3rd Regiment of Foot Guards, later known as the famed Scots Guards.

The majority of the muskets forming this stand were made by London gunsmith William Predden, and many carry the regimental inscription EARLE OF DVNMORE engraved into the barrel. Some are also engraved with either a "Crowned AR" cypher for Queen Anne (1702-1714) or "Crowned GR" for George I (1714-1727), helping to date the entire stand of arms. Each is crudely engraved with a distinctively styled numeral on the wristplate, ranging from "2" to "29" (as observed). Colonial Williamsburg's musket is number "5," and bayonet number "10" is also in the collection (2024-177).
InscribedLock engraved "W" over "PREDDEN" below pan, barrel carries traces of either a "Crown AR" or "Crown GR" cypher, and the wristplate is engraved "5."
MarkingsBreech struck with London Gunmaker's Company Proof and View marks, plus Predden's mark.
Exhibition(s)