Original 18th Century Queen Anne Marked British Flintlock Blunderbuss by John Brush with Dog Safety made in 1707 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice example of a British Iron Barreled Blunderbuss, as used during the 18th Century. The lock is maker marked I. / BRUSH on the tail of the lock, indicating production by London gunmaker John Brush (at the time I would be substituted for the letter J). Notes from the antique gunsmith who lasted serviced it indicate that it is additionally marked on the inside of the lock plate with J.B. over V11, which indicates manufacture by Brush in 1707.

This maker has a rather interesting history, having joined the Gunmaker’s company of London in 1699, after which they became a Military Contractor from 1703-1715, roughly the reign of Queen Anne. They then moved to Williamsburg in the American Colony of Virginia in 1717, having been enticed to move by being offered land on which to build a house, among other incentives. He worked there repairing “All arms in the publik magazine.” and building parts until his passing in 1727. Definitely some fantastic history to this maker!

This fine example has a flat faced lock plate with a bevel at the rear end, and does not have any reinforcement bridle going from the faceted pan to the frizzen. It also features an early “Dog Safety” to the rear of the hammer, which in this case cannot be applied until the lock is fully cocked. The butt plate, trigger guard, and large side plate are all of brass, as are the ramrod pipes. It has the correct tang screw rising from under the trigger guard up to the barrel tang.

The lock is marked with royal cypher CROWN / AR, for “Anne Regina”, or Queen Anne, who ruled between 1702 until 1714, being the last of the House of Stuart. There are two “Lock Viewer” inspection marks on either side of the Royal Cypher, with additional proofs on the inside of the plate. The gun’s barrel bears faded CROSSED SCEPTER proof marks indicating manufacture in the British City of Birmingham, a common place for London gunsmiths to acquire locks, stocks, and barrels from. We cannot see any other markings on the barrel, which is patinated and has suffered wear over the years from oxidation.

In really nice tight original condition this is a great example dating from the time of Queen Anne. The wood stock is solid and has a great color and varnished finish, with no chunks missing, though it does look like there may be repairs along the barrel wood line. There is also a crack on the bottom running along the ramrod channel from the pipe to the trigger guard, and another to the right under the lock plate bolster. It has a lovely “bannister rail” butt stock, checkered wrist, and beautiful brass escutcheon on the back of the grip area. The hammer action is strong, and the lock holds correctly at half-cock. The original ramrod is still present under the barrel.

This is a very fine Blunderbuss from John Brush’s London period of Queen Anne, in splendid working condition. Clearly long well treasured, this is ready to display, and will be a worthy addition to any British Blunderbuss collection!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1705
Caliber: Blunderbuss
Ammunition Type: Lead Shot & Powder
Barrel Length: 15 1/2 inches
Overall Length: 30 3/4 inches
Action: Flintlock Side Action
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

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