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Caption: British 'Long Land Pattern' musket, 1722-1768

In 1722, the Board of Ordnance set a pattern for smoothbore flintlock musket for use on 'land service' by the British army. Gunsmiths all over Britain worked to this 'Tower' pattern (named after the Tower of London, where the Ordnance headquarters were) to produce weapons. Over the years, British soldiers gave their musket the nickname 'Brown Bess'. The 'Long Land' musket was the standard British infantry weapon through the Seven Years' War, but the experience of fighting in North America suggested the need for a shorter weapon. In 1768, this new, shorter, musket was introduced, and the old weapon became known as the 'Long Land' pattern. Model 1722 weapons were used until they eventually wore out. In North America, Long Land muskets were used by the British Army, the American Militia and (after capture) by the French and Canadians. (Parks Canada)