Pattern 1793 Brown Bess

[East of Here]

So, a while back, I stumbled onto this 1793 Pattern Brown Bess. My original intent was to clean it up and fire it occasionally with reduced loads. However, I have 2 problems. First, it will not spark. The flint seems to drop with sufficient force, but it just will not spark. I am not sure if the problem is the flint or the frizzen. The second problem is how does one best go about cleaning the bore to assess its operational condition? Anybody have any experience with cleaning a 230 year old bore? Any suggestions as to solvents? (This thing is so old, it was probably last cleaned with Ye Olde Hoppes No. 1).

If possible, I'd love to bring this old girl back to life - or at least bring her as close to back to life as I safely can. I already know that the safest thing to do with a 200+ year old musket is to just hang it on the wall "as-is". But if anybody can spare some expertise or experience on cleaning the bore and achieving a spark, I'd appreciate any advice as to how to go about doing those initial things in the way that is least likely to mess something up.

 

[Grits]

Like You said. Hang it on the wall. The bore is toast.

Sent from my SM-J320V using Tapatalk

 

[Dave951]

The bore looks pretty bad. Depending on value, it can be relined and safely returned to operational condition. Nothing wrong with shooting these old guns if they're not a serious collector/museum piece. We shoot quite a few originals in competition. If you're going to do it, use ONLY real black powder.

Track of the Wolf might be able to help with the flint/frizzen issue

 

[RedneckFur]

With a bore like that, I'd be very hesitant to shoot it. Looks like there's pitting and corrosion inside, and it may have sunk down into the metal. That's not going to clean up with just solvents. You're going to need a mild abrasive bore paste

If it were mine, I'd clean it up, and put it on display. I'd clean it up to remove rust, but try to leave the aged patina on the metal and wood.

If I just had to fire it, I'd use a very reduced load of BP, topped off with balled up paper or aluminum foil instead of a real patched bullet. Make noise and smoke without risking cracking the barrel.