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Antique Guns

Reproduction Guns

With today’s spiralling prices for genuine antique firearms, the demand for accurate and well-made reproductions, items traditionally scorned by “real” collectors, has increased considerably. The number of authentic pieces are limited and many collectors are now willing to accept a well-made substitute. Subsequently the prices for reproductions have themselves taken off upward. For example the Brown Bess Musket, a weapon widely used by both British and Continental troops in the American Revolution, is so coveted that it is not only expensive but very difficult to find at any reasonable price. Collectors turned to well made reproductions made in the U.S.A., Italy and even Japan. Same old story as repro prices, even for DIY kits. These kits at some locations are selling for in excess of US$1200.00 before shipping and handling and taxes where applicable. An assembled Brown Bess starts at US$1800.00 before S&H.

The Sword Antiques at this time is offering a Brown Bess reproduction, handmade in India, at Cdn$650 FOB our location in Consecon, Ont. We also have access to other historic weapons including the German Potsdam Musket and the Baker Rifle of the Napoleonic Wars. These firearms are sold as wall hangers. They can be fully activated by a gunsmith who can certify the reliability of the weapon's construction. He then drills a small hole from the flash pan to the barrel interior enabling the weapon to fire. This usually costs about $30.00.

Top: Indian made reproduction of 18th century Land Pattern Brown Bess Musket

Second: Indian made reproduction of 18th century German Potsdam Musket

Reproduction of 18th Century .60 Cal Flintlock Pistol

Flintlock weapons of this era used black gunpowder as a propellant. It produced much pungent black smoke and a sooty residue which could quickly foul weapons and reduce the loading efficiency of an unskilled soldier. Red hot particles from ignition of the powder in the pans of shoulder-held weapons was often blasted into the cheeks of the gunmen to create permanent tattooing of facial skin. The smooth bore muskets and pistols of the day were extremely inaccurate but hits could often produce terrible wounds and shattered bones leading to amputation or agonizing death. The soldiers stood shoulder to shoulder and blasted away at their foes a weak stone’s throw away. To turn and run could be punished by a death sentence. The Glory of War