Citation

Ferguson J. Arms Armour 2017; 14(1): 49-69.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, UK Trustees of the Royal Armouries, Publisher Maney Publishing)

DOI

10.1080/17416124.2017.1293886

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The aim of this article is to settle once and for all the question of the term 'Brown Bess', as applied to the British soldier's musket. The specific origin and meaning of this obviously affectionate nickname has long confounded arms and armour scholars, re-enactors, and collectors alike. As a result, various possible solutions have been offered. The article outlines the historical usage of the name, including earlier written references not widely known in the field. The scope of the term is also addressed, using period sources to demonstrate what 'Brown Bess' meant to those who actually used the name historically. The many false etymologies of the name are assessed and found wanting or 'debunked' outright. Finally, drawing upon existing research from the field of linguistics, the article details the real meaning behind 'Brown Bess' the firearm and places 'her' in a wider sociohistorical context.

Keywords: Brown Bess, brown, Bess, musket, bill, Land Pattern, India Pattern, percussion, flintlock, East India Company, sexual language, Hannah Snell

Language: en