Original British Brass Barrel Flintlock Blunderbuss by James Spencer c.1690 – Named to Owner Original Items

 Original Item: One Only. This wonderful example of the British-style blunderbuss was made by JAMES SPENCER of LONDON, who worked from 1689 until 1698.

A very early flintlock blunderbuss with the early features of the tang screw rising from the trigger guard and the pan without the frizzen supporting arm. All brass furniture including scroll side plate, nailed on folded brass butt plate, brass trigger guard, escutcheon and ramrod pipe.

The 13 1/2″ gently swamped brass barrel bearing London Proof Marks and the Maker’s stamp of J.S. The full name of : JA. SPENCER in engraved in scroll work along the top of the barrel. Also signed “SPENCER” on the iron lock plate amid extensive “strawberry leaf” engraving.

Complete with brass button tipped ramrod, which is probably a contemporary replacement. There is some evidence of old wood repair at lower stock toe at butt plate. Overall length is approximately 27 inches. On the whole in very nice shape for 330 years of age.

The brass Escutcheon on the upper side of the wrist is somewhat worn but, however the engraving can still be read:-

T.W. surrounded by WOLLATON HALL

WOLLATON HALL was one of England’s large ELIZABETHAN estates, construction started in 1580 for the owner, SIR FRANCIS WILLOUGHBY (1547-1596). The mansion was completed in 1588. It has stayed in the Willoughby family until it was given to The City of Nottingham by the last survivor in 1925,

LORD MICHAEL WILLOUGHBY, 11TH BARON MIDDLETON.

Research has shown that the initials T.W. belong to :-

LORD THOMAS WILLOUGHBY, 1st BARON MIDDLETON (1672 – 1729).

He was the great grandson of the original SIR FRANCIS WILLOUGHBY, who died in 1596.

For more information on maker James Spencer, maker see DER NEUE STOEKEL Volume 2 page 1204.

For the History of WOOLATON HALL see the great article on Wikipedia.

A great early blunderbuss in a very presentable condition with a terrific provenance, ready to display.

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