Original British Brass Barrel Flintlock Coaching Blunderbuss by Henry Nock with Spring Loaded Bayonet – c. 1790 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a fantastic Brass Blunderbuss Barreled Flintlock Coaching Gun, made by the legendary London Gunsmith, Inventor, and Engineer, Henry Nock (1741–1804). Nock began his career as a locksmith, patenting a design in 1775, before forming several companies to market his products. He truly rose to prominence in 1779 with being contracted to produce James Wilson’s “Volley Gun” design, which are highly sought after. Nock became a Freeman of the Gunmakers Company in 1784, after which he was one of the most sought after gunmakers during the French Revolution and Napoleonic periods. His guns were well made, and his designs very innovative, and he carved out a solid place in British gunmaking history before his death in 1804.

We estimate that this blunderbuss coaching gun was made circa 1790, and measures 29 1/4 inches in overall length with a 13 1/2 inch swamped brass barrel. This itself is fitted with a 10 1/2 inch long spring bayonet located on the top of the barrel. This is held closed by an iron safety catch on the barrel tang, and when released it locks into place. There is a release button on the left side of the bayonet base, and it still functions correctly. Looking at the bayonet. it is very possible that it was fitted post production, when the blunderbuss was put into coaching service, as the bayonet definitely increases the self-defense potential.

The lock is signed with H. NOCK under the flash pan, and has a bridled frizzen with a roller spring, as well as a half cock safety, which is unfortunately no longer functional. Appointments like this are typical of Nock guns. The barrel is marked on the top facet with —>LONDON<—, and farther towards the muzzle has the marking LONDON & BRIGHTON. The London to Brighton coaching route would have been VERY popular during the days of King George IV’s Brighton Pavilion during the early 19th century. The barrel has the correct CROWN / GP “Gunmaker’s Proof” and CROWN / V “Viewed” markings from the London Gun Company proof house.

Condition overall is very good, showing a lovely glow on the wood and a nice mustard colored patina on the brass barrel and mountings. The trigger guard has a lovely “pineapple” shaped finial on the underside. The stock has a beautiful color, and still retains much of the original checkering around the wrist. There are some dents and chips, but no major cracks or damage we can see. We tested the lock, and it holds correctly at half cock, and fires at full.

A lovely and very hard to find original brass flintlock coaching blunderbuss by a great and famous British Gun Maker, with a fantastic spring loaded bayonet on top. Ready to research and display!

Specifications: 

Year of Manufacture: circa 1790
Caliber: Blunderbuss Swamped Barrel
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 13 1/2 inches
Overall Length: 29 1/4 inches
Action: Flintlock Top Action with Safety
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.