One of The Connecticut Foot Guard’s (State Defense Force) primary missions are ceremonial. They provide Color Guards for numerous State & Local events. During these missions the Color Guard utilize their vintage Brown Bess Muskets throughout the ceremony. They fire multiple volleys (only powder no ball) from these weapons which adds a great visual effect during these events. The Brown Bess Musket has a long and rich history, they were utilized as the primary weapon during The American Revolution, from the fields of Lexington where the ‘shot heard round the world’ was fired to the final surrender of British forces at Yorktown, VA.
While these weapons provide a great historical meaning as well as a nice visual effect during these events, the troops of the Connecticut Foot Guard have to put in a great deal of work to ensure the muskets are properly maintained. In order to function correctly and safely the weapon requires extreme cleaning to ensure it operates normally. Here are a few words from the Connecticut Foot Guard regarding the care of these weapons:
The British Brown Bess flintlock musket is quite simply one of the most important firearms ever made. Parade detail with muskets is often a great and enjoyable outing for our Company. While the public enjoys the nostalgia and the “boom” of ancient weapons, what they do not see is the dedication and care the soldiers provide to these artifacts behind the scenes. Black powder weaponry requires extreme cleanings and maintenance to the bore, breach and action assemblies of the weapons. This is done after every parade at the armory.
Source: Connecticut Foot Guard
