MUSKETS & RIFLES.  Originating in 1762, the .75 caliber British-made Long Island Infantry Musket--familiarly known as the Brown Bess--was one of the most popular muskets of the American Revolution. It fired single or multiple (grapeshot) balls, and was a standard in the War of 1812 and Napoleonic Wars. Other rifles and muskets used by the British included the Highlander Light Infantry carbine, the 1756 Light Dragoon carbine, the Royal Forrester carbine, the Short Land musket, and the 1756 Long Land musket. The British forces also used other foreign makes and models, including those from Germany, Hessia and Prussia.

PISTOLS.  Pistols were usually carried only by officers or cavalrymen and were only good at close range. Perhaps the best known was the Light Dragoon pistol, carried by most soldiers of the cavalry and light infantry. Other models used were the 1777 Sea service pistol (naval) and the Henshaw pocket pistol.

OTHER WEAPONS.  Cannons, howitzers and mortars were an essential part of both armies and navies. The British used nine different mortar types for land use, and four different for naval operations, ranging from 4.4 to 13 inches in caliber. The most popular cannons were galloper guns that usually fired 3 to 6 lb. shells. Less dangerous weapons, such as knives, swords, bayonets and pikes were also used by both the British and Americans.