Original 18th Century English Flintlock Coaching Blunderbuss with 17th Century Brass Barrel by G. Taylor – c.1740 Original Items

Original Item: One of a Kind. This lovely English Blunderbuss was made to order about 1740, using a high quality brass blunderbuss barrel by G. TAYLOR of LONDON, who worked circa 1680. This is a coach line marked blunderbuss, which was based at :-

THE DUKE’S HEAD
KINGS LYNN

as marked on the left hand brass side plate. This is short for the Duke’s Head Inn in King’s Lynn, a Seaport and Market Down situated in Norfolk, England. The Barrel is marked KING’S LYNN, NORWICH & IPSWICH on the top, which were the three principal cities in East Anglia in the mid 1700’s.

All brass mounts, engraved lock plate, G. TAYLOR on the Barrel and interestingly engraved around the muzzle HAPPY HE THAT ESCAPES ME. A touching comment but not as rare as you might think, as we have seen three other examples, all differing slightly. The barrel also bears London Proof Marks, including the CROWN / CP black powder proof and the CROWN / V viewing mark. Above this are the makers initials GT.

The wood stock is solid and has a great color, with just a small chunk missing around the lock by the tang, and another tiny one at the front of the lock plate. There is also a repair around the butt plate tang. The hammer action is strong, and the lock holds correctly at half-cock. The blunderbuss still has it original brass tipped ramrod.

A sound and most compelling Blunderbuss dating to pre 1750, in excellent working condition which would present wonderfully in any collection. Ready to Display!

Specifications: 

Year of Manufacture: 1740 with Earlier Barrel
Caliber:  Blunderbuss
Ammunition Type: Lead Shot & Powder
Barrel Length: 16 inches
Overall Length: 32 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.