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Ferguson flintlock breech-loading rifle, 1780 circa
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Ferguson flintlock breech-loading rifle, 1780 circa
5920155 Ferguson flintlock breech-loading rifle, 1780 circa 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 22567950
© National Army Museum / Bridgeman Images
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EDITORS COMMENTS
The Ferguson flintlock breech-loading rifle, captured in this photo print, stands as 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 its time. Unlike its predecessor, the muzzle-loading Brown Bess musket, the Ferguson rifle boasted enhanced accuracy, ease of loading, and an extended effective range. However, these benefits came at a cost – both financially and in terms of fragility. Production expenses limited their widespread use. During the American War of Independence (1775-1783), Captain Patrick Ferguson led a group armed with these groundbreaking rifles drawn from select units within the British Army. Sadly, his life was cut short on King's Mountain battlefield in South Carolina in 1780. After his demise, it would be several decades before breech-loading firearms were reintroduced into British service. Today, only a handful of these rare rifles remain in existence worldwide – making this particular piece an invaluable treasure within the National Army Museum's collection. This stunning image allows us to appreciate not only the craftsmanship behind this historic weapon but also its pivotal role in shaping military tactics and technology during one of history's most significant conflicts.
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