Original French Flintlock Brass Blunderbuss Pistol with Spring Loaded Bayonet & Silver Wire Inlay – circa 1785 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. Here we have a very interesting, almost certainly FRENCH made brass blunderbuss pistol, which features a fully functional spring loaded bayonet under the barrel. When the trigger guard is pulled rearward, the bayonet swings forward and locks into place in an instant, definitely increasing the defense potential of the pistol.

Unsigned without visible proof marks, this has an unmistakable French type wood silver wire inlaid checkered wood stock. The pistol measures 11″ overall with bayonet in the backward stored position and 15″ overall when fully extended. It would be easy to maneuver regardless of whether the bayonet is extended or not. The brass blunderbuss barrel measures about 6 1/4″ in length, and is one solid piece, continuous with the frame of the gun. Under the front of this is the spring bayonet mechanism, which has a 3 1/4″ triangular blade.

Overall condition is very nice, showing use and age, as well as some oxidation on the metal components of the pistol. The brass components have all mellowed to a lovely mustard patina, with a dark gray finish on most of the iron and steel components. The wooden stock looks great, and is checkered at the wrist, with silver wire inland on the left side and spine. This is highly attractive, though unfortunately about 50% of the wire is missing. There is also a lovely silver escutcheon on the back of the grip, which looks to have the owners initials “TH” engraved.

There are some repairs and cracks to the stock around the lock work, relatively common due to the amount of wood removed during construction. The spring loaded bayonet is fully functional, locking in place on the muzzle, and the release is fully functional as well. We checked the lock, and it does properly cock, there is no half cock position, and it requires a very strong trigger pull to fire, so it probably could use adjustment.

Dating to the time of the French revolution 1780-1795 Comes complete with a brass tipped wooden ram rod on the left side of the barrel. Ready to display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1780-1795
Caliber: Swamped Blunderbuss
Ammunition Type: Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 6 1/4 inches
Overall Length: 11 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. International customers should always consult their country’s antique gun laws prior to ordering.