Manufactured circa 1810, this is an extremely rare example of a boxlock blunderbuss, an action type normally associated with pistols. Joseph and William Richards worked at 16 Staining Lane, London, 1808–10 and had retail premises at 62, Strand, London. They also worked as gun and rifle makers at 49 New Street, Birmingham, 1799-1817, from where Joseph carried on alone until 1830. The three-stage round barrel has a flared muzzle and turned moldings. The sprung bayonet is fitted beneath, and the ramrod is housed to left side. The right side of the breech is struck with Tower private proof marks and the maker’s mark. The engraved boxlock action is signed “J & W RICHARDS” (left) and “LONDON” (right) and has engraved iron fittings, including the trigger guard which has an extension forming the bayonet latch that is released by a second trigger. The figured walnut buttstock it mounted with an engraved brass buttplate. The wooden ramrod has a dark horn tip. The bore is estimated.

Very good with a pleasing bronze colored patina. The engraving is clear on the brass parts. The iron parts have a dark almost blue patina and some scattered corrosion pock marking. The stock is also very good with scattered age related storage and handling marks. Mechanically excellent, including the bayonet which snaps into position correctly.