Original 18th Century British Naval Flintlock Brass Barrel Blunderbuss by William Birkell c.1735 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice example of a British brass-barreled Blunderbuss, as used in the Royal Navy of the 18th Century. Maker WILLIAM BIRKELL is marked on the lock, and he worked in LONDON from 1731 until 1743, just twelve years. He was known for making these NAVAL BLUNDERBUSSES, many of which were acquired by the Royal Navy for use on their Men-o-War Battleships.

This fine example has an early military type flat faced lock plate without any pan re-enforcement bar. It has the earliest form of flat hammer with ring neck cock. The trigger guard, also made of brass, is also of early form and the butt plate is flat and correctly nailed onto the Butt Stock. The brass side plate is similar to those found from the time of Queen Anne (1702 – 1714) and most interestingly the ramrod is of hand forged iron with it’s original “cork screw” still in place. The gun’s barrel bears London Proof Marks and shows the Maker’s Initials of W.B. for William Birkell.

In really nice tight original condition this is a great example dating from the 1730’s. The wood stock has some nice subtle tiger striping, and is solid, with no signs of cracks or breaks. The hammer action is strong, and the lock holds correctly at half-cock.

Clearly long well treasured, this is ready to display. A worthy addition to any British Naval collection!

Specifications: 

Year of Manufacture: c.1735
Caliber:  Blunderbuss
Ammunition Type: Lead Shot & Powder
Barrel Length: 16 inches
Overall Length: 30 inches
Action: Flintlock Side Action
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

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