item details
NameFlintlock musket
ProductionUnknown; gunsmith; circa 1810
Classificationfirearms, muskets
Materialssteel, wood, flint, leather
DimensionsOverall: 200mm (height), 1120mm (length), 70mm (depth)
Registration NumberDM000659
Credit linePurchased 1989
Overview
Flintlock musket, maker unknown, calibre .57. The lock strap is inscribed: 'Taken from the Maories N. Zealand after the fight at Mahoetahi 1860 JEA XIV R.' 'JEA XIV R' is probably a reference to James Edward Alexander [1803-1885], who was Colonel of the British Army's 14th Regiment which fought in New Zealand during the 1860s. Alexander's book "Incidents of the Maori War. New Zealand in 1860-61" [London, 1863] describes the fighting at Mahoetahi and mentions [p 219] that 'the Maories were armed with well finished English rifles and double barrelled fowling pieces.'