<P> Popular explanations of the use of the word "Brown" include that it was a reference to either the colour of the walnut stocks, or to the characteristic brown colour that was produced by russeting, an early form of metal treatment . Others argue that mass - produced weapons of the time were coated in brown varnish on metal parts as a rust preventative and on wood as a sealer (or in the case of unscrupulous contractors, to disguise inferior or non-regulation types of wood). However, the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) notes that "browning" was only introduced in the early 19th century, well after the term had come into general use . (here the author confuses simple varnishing with the browning of metal, two entirely different things) </P> <P> Similarly, the word "Bess" is commonly held to either derive from the word arquebus or blunderbuss (predecessors of the musket) or to be a reference to Elizabeth I, possibly given to commemorate her death . The OED has citations for "brown musket" dating back to the early 18th century that refer to the same weapon . Another suggestion is that the name is simply the counterpart to the earlier Brown Bill . </P> <P> However, the origin of the name may be much simpler, if vulgar . </P> <P> In the days of lace - ruffles, perukes, and brocade </P>

Why did the british switch from using the brown bess gun to the enfield rifle