Original Item: One of a Kind. This lovely English Blunderbuss was made to order about 1770, marked on the lock by BATEMAN of London. Measuring 30″ in overall length with a sturdy 14 1/2″ Cannon style barrel originally intended for self defense but soon adopted by all the Coaching lines in England and the Continent as easy to handle and very effective to deter wrong doers.
The U.S. Revolution followed by the terrible French Revolution and finally the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte put terror into the upper or just better off classes and every private coach and every household armed up to face the mob in the event of this happening in England.
This fine flintlock is in just wonderful condition in all respects and comes complete with ram rod. The top of the brass barrels is marked London in cursive script just forward of the breech. The barrel also bears the CROWN / CROSSED SCEPTERS proof marks of William Ketland of Birmingham, England, who was so prolific that his marking later became the Birmingham City Proof mark.
The wood stock is solid, and has a great dark brown color. There to look to be some old repairs around the wrist and lock areas, as well as around the muzzle end of the fore stock, where the wood is thinnest. The hammer action is strong, and the lock holds correctly at half-cock. The blunderbuss still has a original brass tipped ramrod, but it is most likely a replacement.
A sound and most compelling Blunderbuss dating to approximately 1770, in excellent working condition which would present wonderfully in any collection. Ready to Display!
Specifications:
Year of Manufacture: Circa 1770
Caliber: Blunderbuss
Ammunition Type: Lead Shot & Powder
Barrel Length: 14 1/2 inches
Overall Length: 30 inches
Action: Flintlock Side Action
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded
NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country’s antique gun laws prior to ordering.