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Thread: Should I buy this Brown Bess?

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    Should I buy this Brown Bess?

    The asking price is $1800 AUD

    It would save me the hassle of trying to import one of the IMA guns, but I don't know if it's worth it.

    I'm looking for a wall hanger and an entry level collectors piece

    Thanks for your help, this is a whole new world for me haha
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    A Collector's View - The SMLE Short Magazine Lee Enfield 1903-1989. It is 300 8.5x11 inch pages with 1,000+ photo’s, most in color, and each book is serial-numbered.  Covering the SMLE from 1903 to the end of production in India in 1989 it looks at how each model differs and manufacturer differences from a collecting point of view along with the major accessories that could be attached to the rifle. For the record this is not a moneymaker, I hope just to break even, eventually, at $80/book plus shipping.  In the USA shipping is $5.00 for media mail.  I will accept PayPal, Zelle, MO and good old checks (and cash if you want to stop by for a tour!).  CLICK BANNER to send me a PM for International pricing and shipping. Manufacturer of various vintage rifle scopes for the 1903 such as our M73G4 (reproduction of the Weaver 330C) and Malcolm 8X Gen II (Unertl reproduction). Several of our scopes are used in the CMP Vintage Sniper competition on top of 1903 rifles. Brian Dick ... BDL Ltd. - Specializing in British and Commonwealth weapons Specializing in premium ammunition and reloading components. Your source for the finest in High Power Competition Gear. Here at T-bones Shipwrighting we specialise in vintage service rifle: re-barrelling, bedding, repairs, modifications and accurizing. We also provide importation services for firearms, parts and weapons, for both private or commercial businesses.
     

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    It seems to have a 39 inch barrel, does it not? If so, it has a Short Land Pattern lock and an India Pattern barrel and furniture, the Short Land musket had a 42 inch barrel. It seems like a high price for a mismatched lock and barrel but I am not sure what the market is like in Australiaicon. I personally would not consider it a "collector's piece", entry level or otherwise but could be a good wallhanger....

    Others may have another opinion, listen to all sides and decide what is right for you.

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    In my opinion, it certainly is not a collector's piece and it's way over priced for just a poorly done wall hanger ...

    Here is a 53 pic photo montage of my own 1808 Brown Bess Tower Musket - India Pattern (click here).

    It's all correct and all original parts (no repros). I've owned it for almost 40 years …

    (Click PIC to Enlarge)

    Regards,
    Doug

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    i think i'm going to get an indian repro for a wall hanger and save my money for an original...

    damn this collecting game

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    Quote Originally Posted by Teggy View Post
    i think i'm going to get an indian repro for a wall hanger and save my money for an original...

    damn this collecting game
    I think that's a good call partner ...

    Regards,
    Doug

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    by the way for future reference what sort of price would I be looking at for a bess so I don't get horribly ripped off?

    for say a bess in these conditions:

    - all original, poor condition (seen these, they look brown all over and appear as if they were left in the basement too long)
    - all original, decent condition (im assuming this means shows the signs of being 200 + years old but the metal and wood retains some color)
    - all original but repaired/restored
    - mix matched and restored

    i know its hard to give a number but a rather large ball park figure would do, there's an antique arms show in october and a 23 year old with a lot of cash is kinda perfect bait for some of these dealers

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    Quote Originally Posted by Teggy View Post
    by the way for future reference what sort of price would I be looking at for a bess so I don't get horribly ripped off?
    That's a great question ...

    To be honest, since I've had mine for over 40 years, I think I paid about $1,000 to $1,200 back then, so I have no idea what an original all correct piece is going for nowadays, but I do know that there's a lot of fakes out there with "aged" looking repro parts, so be very careful and ensure you can establish the reputation of the seller and the provenance of the piece.

    Regards,
    Doug

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    oh well, thanks for the tip. I bought myself the bess reference guide by eric goldstein to help

    by the way that line marked on the top of the barrel near the tang on yours, is that some sort of crude rear sight? ive seen it on a few originals

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    Quote Originally Posted by Teggy View Post
    oh well, thanks for the tip. I bought myself the bess reference guide by eric goldstein to help

    by the way that line marked on the top of the barrel near the tang on yours, is that some sort of crude rear sight? ive seen it on a few originals
    I honestly don't know, but it's also a great question ...

    Regards,
    Doug

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    You can also look at middlesex trading company for wall hangers. Thay carry alot of different types of black powder firearms. I think they maybe made in india. They aren't the
    highest quality, but can be made to fire. I have one of the dog lock pistols.
    john

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