Very Fine London Brass Barrelled Flintlock Blunderbuss With Snap Bayonet

A Good Quality Most And Attractive Snap Bayonet Silver Wire Inlaid British Blunderbuss. Circa 1780.

14 inch barrel of Spanish form octagonal at breech. One inch bore and finely formed bell muzzle, The barrel engraved in flowing script (London). 11 inch long triangular bayonet with long blood grove. Unlike most snap bayonet this one snaps out smartly with real power and locks into place with a snap.

Fully engraved bolted lock with push on safety, no signature as it would have diminished the engraving (engraving slightly worn). The gooseneck cock engraved ensuite. Top jaw line engraved as is the frizzen. All lock small parts original. Sparsely engraved triggerguard with acorn finial, brass buttplate engraved with scrolls. Brass thumb piece.

Rather than using the traditional raised carved shell behind the barrel tang this gunmaker chose to use an elegant scroll bordered shell in fine silver wire. This blunderbuss has particularly elegant form with high comb like a Brown Bess.

Condition overall rates fine other than noted. Has its original horn tipped ramrod with steel worm. 28 and 3/4 inches overall. This fine blunderbuss is the equal of signed examples by London’s best gunmakers. 40 inches overall with bayonet extended.