Each weapon has a brass three-stage barrel engraved with an E for Exeter, beneath a coronet, the lock engraved with strawberry foliage and full brass mounts.
The butt plate on one is inscribed ‘No. 5’ and has its original ramrod; it is unsigned. The other, has a butt plate inscribed ‘No. 9’ and a signed lock.
One is 78cm overall; the barrel 41cm; the other is 75cm overall and the barrel 41cm.
On each trip abroad, the party of John, 5th Earl of Exeter (1648-1700), included several ‘gentleman soldiers.’ Their role was to provide a measure of security, protecting the travellers against thieves and brigands.
These men, usually officers on half-pay leave from their regiments, were equipped with weapons brought from the household armoury at Burghley.
A consequence of carrying arms whilst travelling was that customs duty for them had to be paid on entering any walled or defended town.
