A Very Rare EIC Indiaman Flintlock Ship Stores Musket by Rimes. 56” overall, 40” musket bore round barrel with London proof marks in ovals & no. 13, rounded banana shaped lock, swan necked cock signed ‘Rimes’ with EIC approval mark ‘crown 4’ under the pan, with sea service brass furniture comprising flat side plate, flat butt plate & trigger guard with round finial, black varnished full stock. Accompanied by a bayonet with 3 motion slot & 15 ¾” blade with indistinct marks (pitted).
Circa 1753-1770
Wormed stock conserved and refinished with correct black varnish. Replacement plain wooden rammer.
As provided for privately owned East Indiaman ships by the owners, & inspected by EIC viewers before every voyage (each East Indiaman had 60 muskets).
For this pattern see D.F. Harding ‘Smallarms of the East India Company 1600-1856’ Vol.2 (1997) pp.579-580 & Plates 19.6 to 19.8 (this actual piece), also D.F. Harding ‘An Introduction to East India Company Smallarms c1775-1851’ (2013) pp.188-189 & Plates 11.2 to 11.5 (this actual piece).
John Rimes 1745-77 gunmaker to the Company 1771-2
Ex: The David Harding Collection