The upcoming 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence is focusing all things history directly on the American Revolution. The APG certainly participating in the celebration. Our eyes are cast to South Carolina and the Laurens County Museum where they are putting together a special exhibit and extension on the American Revolution.
The APG board voted to approve a donation of $12,500 at the MMSI show in October to purchase some items for the museum. A musket, pistol, and sword. Laurens County is at the center of Revolutionary War activity in South Carolina to include the two battles at Ninety-Six, Musgrove Mill, Hammond’s Old Store, Blackstock’s Plantation and Walnut Grove. The museum extension is due to open in June of 2026.
Here are some details on the items we purchased.
The Musket is American made and circa 1770’s. It’s based on the British Shortland Pattern/Second Model Brown Bess design. It retains its pin-fastened nose-cap and its Shield-type wrist escutcheon with engraved “E.* H.” owner’s initials, in classic 18th Century Block Characters. In overall fine untouched original flintlock condition with choice, smooth metal and wooden surfaces and a nicely toned age-patina.
The sword is a Mid-18th Century German silver-mounted horn hilt cuttoe dated to 1752. It retains fine and smooth mottled-gray, steel surfaces with sharply engraved hunting depictions on both sides of the blade and features very fine silver surfaces with light patches of discoloration and tarnish.
The pistol is circa 1770 English Flintlock Officer’s .65 caliber smooth bore. It’s clearly signed with an “ADAMS ” maker’s signature for John Adams II of London, UK, who worked ca. 1776. Addtional features include lightly engraved, full Brass mounts, a “Queen Ann” type butt-cap with engraved borders and short top finial. The Trigger-guard with an engraved “Starburst” on its bow and an engraved Arrowhead forward finial.