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British Pattern 1839 Muskatoon (T. POTTS LONDON)

19th century T. Potts London percussion muskatoon showing lock plate and barrel proof marks. - view 1
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Estimated value

$850 - $1,450

Rarity

Uncommon(5/10)

Category

Militaria

Era

circa 1840-1855

Origin

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

Artist / Creator

Thomas Potts

Authenticity

High(80%)
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BRITISH PATTERN 1839 MUSKATOON (T. POTTS LONDON): IDENTIFICATION

A mid-19th century British percussion-cap muskatoon featuring a 26-inch smoothbore barrel and brass furniture. The lock plate is clearly engraved 'T. POTTS LONDON', referring to Thomas Potts, a known London gunmaker active during the mid-1800s. The weapon utilizes a side-lock percussion system converted or manufactured from the earlier flintstock pattern, evidenced by the circular bolster and cap-guard. The barrel tang and breech area display London commercial proof marks, including the 'Crown over CP' (Viewed) and 'Crown over V' (Proved) stamps used by the London Proof House.

Compare with other militaria in the archive: North African Miquelet-Lock Musket (Moukhala), Edo Period Iron Tsuba with Musashino Grass and Silver Inlay, Italian Carcano M91 Long Rifle and Mauser Karabiner 98k.

ISSUE & SERVICE HISTORY

Thomas Potts operated from various London addresses, notably 12 Leman Street (1840-1852) and 31 Leman Street (1853-1856), primarily supplying firearms for trade, colonial militias, and private purchase. This specific short-pattern 'muskatoon' configuration was typically issued to artillery units ...
Thomas Potts operated from various London addresses, notably 12 Leman Street (1840-1852) and 31 Leman Street (1853-1856), primarily supplying firearms for trade, colonial militias, and private purchase. This specific short-pattern 'muskatoon' configuration was typically issued to artillery units or cavalry where a full-length infantry rifle was impractical. The presence of commercial rather than government 'Broad Arrow' marks indicates this was likely a private purchase for a colonial officer or a contract piece for a merchant company such as the East India Company.

SCARCITY

Uncommon70-80%
CommonLegendary

Genuine antiques with fewer examples on the market. Named makers, documented provenance, or early production examples.

Rarity 5/10. Curiosa currently catalogues 4 militaria items at rarity 5 or higher.

Typical Characteristics

  • Limited production
  • Named makers
  • Growing collector demand

Confidence Factors

  • Markings match known London Proof House stamps for the 1840 era
  • Construction techniques (brazed bolster, wood-to-metal fit) are consistent with mid-19th century British workshop standards
  • Visible aging and corrosion patterns are consistent with original black powder usage
How does authenticity detection work?

MILITARY HISTORIAN'S TAKE

Militaria Historian

Military Specialist

High confidence due to clear, legible maker markings and authentic London Proof House stamps which are difficult to replicate with this level of age-consistent corrosion.

KEY EVIDENCE

  • 1Lock plate signature 'T. POTTS LONDON' identifies a documented maker active 1840-1856
  • 2London Proof House 'Crown/V' and 'Crown/CP' stamps on the barrel breech
  • 3Percussion conversion/manufacture style consistent with the Pattern 1839/1842 British military series
  • 4Presence of assembly number '144' indicates period hand-assembly

UNCERTAINTIES

  • •The sling appears to be a modern replacement and does not contribute to period value
  • •The brass cap-guard shows uneven polishing compared to the patina of the lock plate

WHAT WOULD IMPROVE CERTAINTY

  • →Remove the barrel from the stock to check for additional maker marks on the underside of the breech
  • →Check the bore with a caliber gauge to determine if it remains original .75 or .65 smoothbore
  • →Inspect the lock internals for 'T. POTTS' or subcontractor initials

CONDITION & GRADE

Good / Very Fine (Antique)

Grading breakdown

Retention of the original T. Potts signature and legible London proof marks supports a collector grade, though the replaced or modern-style sling and surface pitting on the barrel breech detract from a 'Fine' rating.

Condition

Significant pitting is visible on the barrel exterior near the percussion bolster, likely caused by corrosive cap residue. The wood stock shows bruising and a minor longitudinal crack near the lock screw, but the brass trigger guard and butt plate remain intact with standard verdigris in the recesses.

Weight & feel

Estimated at 3.2 kg (7 lbs); the short barrel provides a forward-balanced handling characteristic typical of cavalry carbines.

MILITARIA VALUATION

$850 - $1,450

Updated: May 11, 2026

Who buys this

Victorian-era military collectors and specialized antique firearms enthusiasts focusing on London trade makers.

What increases value

  • •Legibility of the T. POTTS signature
  • •Integrity of the London proof marks
  • •Completeness of the original brass furniture

What lowers value

  • •Heavy pitting on the barrel breech
  • •Evidence of modern over-cleaning on brass components
  • •Stock cracks near the lock screws

What makes top-tier examples

  • •Presence of unit markings or rack numbers
  • •Original military brown or blued finish on the barrel
  • •Perfect mechanical function of the half and full-cock sears

Grade & condition

Metal pitting, wood integrity, and the crispness of the cartouches/engravings.

Rarity & demand

UncommonModerate demandModerate liquidity
Browse similar militaria objects

For informational purposes only, not a formal appraisal.

FROM THE CABINET OF

JO

jork
Wonderseeker•1 item

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