The flintlock on a Brown Bess had two cocked positions. At full cock the trigger released the cock, which snapped forward and struck its flint against the steel to throw sparks into the priming pan. At half-cock the sear sat in a deeper notch in the tumbler, and pulling the trigger did nothing. Soldiers primed and loaded with the lock at half-cock and drew it back to full cock only at the order to make ready. A sentry or picket in the woods could carry his musket loaded and safe that way for hours. A worn notch could still let the cock fall, and a musket that went off half-cocked gave the English language an expression.

This grenadier stands with his musket held low in both hands, ready to bring it up, his head turned to watch the tree line. He wears the black fur grenadier cap and a red coat with blue lapels and cuffs laced in white. His campaign kit is slung at his left hip: a linen haversack and a tin canteen. Below are the belted plaid, a leather sporran, red-and-white diced hose and buckled shoes. For a forest picket, post him with 42nd Grenadier Standing Defending and 42nd Grenadier Standing Firing No.1. Have Native American Warrior Advancing Crouched Down working toward them through the trees.

W. Britain model 16057. 1/30 scale (approximately 60mm), matte-painted metal. Single foot figure on a sculpted groundwork base. Boxed.