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Ferguson flintlock breech-loading rifle, 1780 circa (metal)
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Ferguson flintlock breech-loading rifle, 1780 circa (metal)
5920151 Ferguson flintlock breech-loading rifle, 1780 circa (metal) by British School, (18th Century); National Army Museum, London; (add.info.: Ferguson flintlock breech-loading rifle, 1780 circa.
Designed by Captain Patrick Ferguson (1744-1780), the Ferguson rifle was the first effective breech-loader used by the British Army. It was more accurate, easier to load and had a greater effective range than the muzzle-loading Brown Bess musket. However, the rifles were expensive to produce and considered fragile.
During the American War of Independence (1775-1783) Ferguson commanded a detachment of men armed with these weapons drawn from the light companies of the 6th and 14th Regiments of Foot. After FergusonAs death in the Battle of KingAs Mountain, South Carolina, in 1780, breech-loading firearms were not re-introduced into British service until the middle of the nineteenth century. Only a handful of these rifles exist today, making it one of the rarest weapons in the Museums collection.); eNational Army Museum; British, out of copyright
Media ID 22323736
© National Army Museum / Bridgeman Images
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EDITORS COMMENTS
The Ferguson flintlock breech-loading rifle, depicted in this photo print, is a testament to the ingenuity and innovation of Captain Patrick Ferguson. Designed around 1780, this remarkable firearm marked a significant advancement for the British Army during a time when muzzle-loading muskets were the norm. Captain Ferguson's creation boasted several advantages over its predecessors. Its breech-loading mechanism allowed for quicker and easier reloading, while also providing enhanced accuracy and an extended effective range compared to the Brown Bess musket. However, despite these impressive features, the rifles were deemed fragile and expensive to produce. During the American War of Independence, Captain Ferguson led a detachment armed with these cutting-edge weapons. Sadly, his life was tragically cut short in battle at King's Mountain in South Carolina in 1780. Following his death, it would be many decades before breech-loading firearms made their return to British service. Today, only a handful of these rare rifles remain in existence. This particular piece held by London's National Army Museum stands as a testament to both Captain Patrick Ferguson's innovative spirit and the ever-evolving nature of military technology throughout history.
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