RARE - Revolutionary War Flintlock Musket Lock plate assembly, recovered at Brandywine Battlefield (SOLD)

Being offered is something that you seldom come across on the open market, and rarer yet the recovery site. It is the Lock Plate Assembly from a Revolutionary War Flintlock musket. It measures 6 ¾” x 3 ½” and weighs 14 ounces. It was recovered years ago from the Brandywine, Pennsylvania Battlefield

On September 11, 1777, General George Washington was determined to prevent the British from capturing the American seat of government, Philadelphia. Taking up positions along Brandywine Creek, Washington mistakenly believed that his army blocked all fords across the Brandywine Creek.

Opposing Washington was Sir William Howe and an army of 15,500 British Regulars and Hessian troops. Hidden by heavy fog, the British moved into position. General Wilhelm von Knyphausen was ordered to demonstrate against the Americans’ front at Chadds Ford, while the bulk of Howe’s forces crossed the Brandywine further upstream.

The battle had been raging for hours by the time Howe's force appeared undetected on the Continental right flank. Washington dispatched troops under General John Sullivan and William Alexander, “Lord Stirling,” to shore up his right flank. However, despite putting up a stiff resistance, the Continentals were eventually overrun by Howe’s men. Simultaneously, Knyphausen’ s troops hit the American units that remained near the Quaker meeting house at Chadds Ford. Washington’s line collapsed.

To prevent the defeat turning into disaster Washington ordered Nathanael Greene’s division to act as a rear-guard so that the Continental Army could escape to the northeast. Greene’s brave men counterattacked, going toe-to-toe with British along the crest of Birmingham Hill.

When night fell, the remaining Americans fell back in an orderly retreat, led in part by the Marquis de Lafayette. Although wounded, the charismatic young Frenchman remained on the field to ensure an organized withdrawal. The crushing defeat allowed the British to occupy Philadelphia, but the bulk of the Continental army survived to fight another day.

This Lock plate is in very solid condition, no chipping or rust. It has been coated with a varnish for preservation. It definitely merits a place in an advanced collection or museum. Just about any artifact from Brandywine is sought out by collectors and museums because of their rarity. A Certificate of Authenticity will be included.

With the 250th anniversary of the nation's founding this year, interest in the Revolutionary War and its relics is expected to significantly increase. This renewed enthusiasm will drive demand for virtually all Revolutionary War artifacts, further contributing to their scarcity and rising prices.

Already, I am witnessing a notable uptick in purchases of these items, which reflects the growing anticipation for the anniversary and the heightened value of Revolutionary War memorabilia.