The museum I work in has a Brown Bess flintlock in the collection. It is in fair shape, but I would like to carry out some conservation work on it for exhibition purposes. Is anyone aware of any manuals or schematics on how to dismantle (and to put back together) one of these guns?

Thanks, Paul

Take it to a professional gun smith specialising in archaic firearms, you'll easily damage it otherwise.

the best gun guy i know is named Zimmerman. I can't recall his first name but I know he had a gunsmith shop in Harpers Ferry WV.

What museum do you work for? Or if you would rather, what city are you in? I am VERY framiliar with muzzleloaders. I have built Several dozen muskets/rifles and have restored and/or repaired an almost equal amount of antique firearms. The very important lesson I have learned is not to ruin the story the gun tells through your work. Major wood damage should be repaired, but bumps and bruises should be left alone. Period alterations and modifications should also be left alone. Getting the lock/trigger into working order if possible is a good idea. Most old guns have had several owners throughout there lives and everyone leaves there mark, be careful not to erase that history.

http://www.edsmart.com/jz/ i thought it was john zimmerman

i was mistaken, he works on CW not bess's. sorry

I work for a museum in Burlington, Ontario. I am a conservator by training, but have never worked on firearms.
I have been put in contact with some people in my area who deal with muzzleloaders and they are tracking down
some names of gunsmiths who deal with these firarms.