Images(8)

Officer's Fusil

Dateca.1775-1780

Maker William Jover

OriginEngland, London

MediumWalnut, iron, steel and brass

DimensionsOL: 57 1/2" Barrel: 42 1/8" x .68 caliber

Credit LineGift of Mr. & Mrs. John R. Muckel of Indiana Plumbing Supply.

Object number1986-145

DescriptionPlain officer's fusil with long barrel and engraved brass mounts including 4 rammer pipes, a flat sideplate, a wristplate, a sheet-brass noseband and a triggerguard with an acorn finial. The barrel is round with a moulded breech and an engraved tang, and the lockplate is flat with beveled edges.Label TextBy the middle years of the 18th century, British officers began carrying fusils instead of the usual spontoon. Basically, these light firearms were identical to civilian fowling guns, but were configured to mount a sling and a socket bayonet. By the time of the Revolution, regimental colonels began equipping their officers with identical fusils, and this plain London-made example is one of such a set.Inscription(s)Lockplate engraved JOVER. Breech struck with London Proof & View marks, plus an unreadable maker's mark.