Description

With sighted two-stage twist barrel cut with Baker-style seven-groove rifling making three-quarters of a turn, and with bayonet bar mounted on the right side of the muzzle, octagonal patent breech engraved ‘H. Nock Patent’, signed Nock patent screwless lock engraved with a sunburst over the front retaining hook, walnut three-quarter stock with raised leather-covered cheek-piece, brass mounts including butt-plate engraved ‘No. 48’ and Baker-pattern butt-trap cover, iron sling mounts, and iron ramrod, London proof marks

In 1782 a new master general of ordnance was appointed – The Duke of Richmond. On the 19th June 1786 he placed an order with H. Nock;

“To Henry Nock the sum of Three Hundred & One pounds 11/9d. for making and completing 39 Pattern Muskets of sorts, & including £100 for his time, trouble & ingenuity for bringing the new invented Lock to so much perfection as p. Master General’s Order 29th May 1786”.

In 1796 Ordnance examined a complaint about the arms used by Dragoons and the first batch of carbines and pistols fitted with Nocks screwless lock were delivered in 1797.