Lot #3254
Lot #3256

Lot 3255: British Flintlock Musket Short barreled shotgun 1 3/4 Inch

Massive 18th Century British Brass-Barreled Flintlock Blunderbuss

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: September 15, 2013

Lot 3255: British Flintlock Musket Short barreled shotgun 1 3/4 Inch

Massive 18th Century British Brass-Barreled Flintlock Blunderbuss

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: September 15, 2013

Estimated Price: $3,500 - $6,500

Massive 18th Century British Brass-Barreled Flintlock Blunderbuss

Manufacturer: British
Model: Flintlock Musket
Type: Short barreled shotgun
Gauge: 1 3/4 Inch
Barrel: 21 7/8 inch part octagon
Finish: brass/iron
Grip:
Stock: walnut
Item Views: 2243
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 114
Class: Antique
Description:

British 18th Century flintlock brass barreled blunderbuss c. 1760. The lock plate is stamped with the maker's name, which appears to be "HALL" (possibly John Hall 1704-1770). The blunderbuss has a 21 7/8-inch part octagon/part round barrel with flared muzzle. The flat iron Sea Service style lock plate has three side nails, an integral rounded iron pan, spear point feather spring finial and pointed tip. The flat-faced ring neck hammer has a pierced but not slotted cock-screw. The simple sheet metal trigger has a curved tip. The blunderbuss has a brass nose band, single flared brass ramrod pipe, flat surfaced brass three-screw side plate, brass trigger guard with bulbous front final and rounded rear finial and brass Sea Service style buttplate. The pin-fastened walnut stock has a carved apron surrounding the barrel tang. The blunderbuss has a iron ramrod with flared head. The left barrel flat is stamped with two illegible indented view and proof marks on either side of an unidentified proof or inspection mark. Although the blunderbuss has many of the features found on 18th Century military Sea Service muskets, it has no military markings. The size, simple and robust construction and Sea Service features suggest that it was probably made as a merchant ship's weapon rather than a coaching gun.

Rating Definition:

Good. The blunderbuss is in original flintlock configuration. The barrel has a number of minor dents and scratches on the top flat and the edges are slightly rounded from handling. The proof and inspection marks are not legible. The iron lock has a dark patina and is lightly pitted. The maker's name is not completely legible. The stock is good overall with a well executed repair between the front of the lock plate and the edge of the barrel. There are two hairline cracks in the stock between the lock plate and the barrel tang and several minor dents that have old filler repairs. This is a rare example of a scarce British naval style brass flintlock blunderbuss that probably pre-dates the Revolutionary War.



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