(A) RARE RUSSIAN CRIMEAN WAR CAPTURED MODEL 1828

Typical Model 1828 Russian musket, with 1836 dated lock made at Tula. Matching 1836 dates on lock, barrel, side plate, front band, middle band, trigger guard and trigger guard tang. The rear band has an 1827 date on it. Very worn but still present Russian double eagle on the top of the buttplate. Remnants of the stock cartouche are visible on the right side of the butt. Proper cheek rest on left side of butt. This gun appears to be in original flint, although the touch hole is drilled fairly high up on the barrel. Many flintlock guns were issued by the Russians during the Crimean War, and this gun is no exception. Clearly stamped into the trigger guard bow "FROM/ INKERMAN. BY J. DE.V./ NOVR.5TH 1854". The Battle of Inkerman in Russia took place on that date between the Allied forces of Britain, France, Sardinia, and the Ottoman Empire and the Russian 10th Division led by Lt. General F. I. Soymonov. Despite being heavily outnumbered by the attacking Russian force, the allies were able to hold their position, partially due to the obsolete smoothbore flintlock weapons issued to the Russian troops, while the English troops were armed with the newly designed model 1853 Percussion rifled muskets. Heavy fog during the battle resulted in battalion-sized groups or less from both sides being cut off from their main forces, causing it to be referred to as "The Soldier's Battle". This gun is accompanied by an old leather sling. CONDITION: Gun retains a pleasing patina overall. Markings are worn in areas but mostly legible and clear. Some light pitting here and there. Brass has a pleasing dark color to it. Wood has dings and handling marks, a few old cracks in the forend that appear solid, as well as a crack in the left side just ahead of the front lock screw from having been overtightened at some point in the past. Fine mechanical function. Sling is solid with flaking. Ramrod appears to be too short for the gun but is certainly old. All in all a very difficult to find gun in its own right, with Crimean War history. Barrel Length: 41 - 3/8" Caliber/Bore: .72 Smoothbore FFL Status: Antique Manufacturer: Russian Model: 1828 Paperwork: Wikipedia Print Out Battle of Inkerman Serial Number: 2850

CORRECTION: Please note, that as a captured weapon, it was clearly a souvenir picked up from the battlefield, likely by J. De. V., which may refer to one of the many de Vere's present at the battle.