Unusual English Percussion Musket with Attached Rest (AL5184)

Unusual English percussion musket with attached rest. The top of the barrel is marked “Rest Musket No 2” and the lock is marked “M. GenL W. Morison. C.B.”. While we have been unable to find information on this Rest-musket, Blackmore (British Military Firearms 1650-1850) documents that Gen. Morison proposed a flintlock pike-musket to the East India Company in March 1844 (p. 157). The pictured (p. 174, plate 51) appears to stow the pike in a similar manner to the Rest-musket. The overall length is 55”. The 39” round .75 caliber smoothbore barrel has a fine bore. The barrel retains approximately 90% original brown. It has fixed rear and front sights. There is also a bayonet lug forward of the front sight and 1½” from the muzzle. The nose cap has a protruding spring bayonet catch, probably for an 1839 type bayonet. The lock and hammer have a smooth gray/brown patina. They each have edge lines. The brass trigger guard, pipes (two), and butt plate are fine. Two swivels and the ramrod are present. The stock is very good with a checkered wrist, scattered use/storage dents and dings, no chips or cracks. The attached rest is approximately .07” in diameter. It stows along the left side of the stock. The stock is grooved at the lower left flat and the upper butt area to accommodate it. It is secured by a spring clip just forward of the butt plate. The barrel has London proof marks. The action functions correctly. The barrel is key-fastened. This is a very interesting, very well-made musket with Gen. Morison’s “good idea” of an attached rest that was not adopted. We have never seen or heard of another. It you’re into unusual British musket, this one is for you!