Revolutionary War Musket from Battles of Lexington and Concord

This wonderful American stocked Revolutionary War Musket was carried by Corporal Samuel Sanderson at the Battles of Lexington and Concord and during the Rev War. He was born in Waltham, MA September 8, 1748. He moved to Lexington, MA, where he married on October 27, 1772, Mary Munroe, born October 10, 1748 in Lexington, MA, Samuel’s occupation was “joiner,” one who “joins” wood to manufacture items such as doors, furniture, and coffins, Samuel carried on his trade in the cellar of his and Mary’s Lexington home. Later, Samuel’s brother, Elijah and Jacab, came to live with them, as noted cabinet makers in Salem, MA where they introduced “the Salem Style” of furniture that gained world-wide reputation. Samuel, On the evening of April 18, 1775, young Samuel Brown of Lexington was one of the first to encounter the British. He was returning home when he saw several mounted riders that he recognized as British officers. They were members of a patrol that preceded the main British force to prevent news of the expedition being spread throughout the countryside. He hurried on to Munroe Tavern to announce his news. Samuel seized his muskets and hurried to join Captain John Parker on Lexington Common. After bringing his wife and son to safety, Corporal Samuel hastened to the common to join with the other members of Captain Parker’s company gathering there. He would be in line, with eight militiamen when the British arrived. Samuel, along with thirteen other Lexington militiamen signed a deposition concerning what they had seen that morning.

Provenance: Sanderson Family, Lexington, MA;

Richard Littlefield, Jaffrey, NH; Gordon Barlow, Swoope, VA (1987)