Late 18th/Early 19th Century Continental Flintlock Boxlock Brass Blunderbuss Pistol With Underslung Bayonet And Side Mounted Ramrod In Its Case With Accessories
Having an appreciation of the Golden Age of Sail I really like this one as I believe that this style of pistol was favoured by Naval Officers.
Unsigned and unproofed I think that this is a Liege export piece.
Engraved with Stand of Arms and a geometric design on each side of the body and silver wire (white metal) to the one piece bag shaped grip.
It features a top sliding safety catch that engages with the cock and the frizen and the bayonet is released by sliding back the trigger guard.
It has a substantial bayonet of triangular section and has a roller attached to the spring.
The steelwork does show signs of corrosion (maybe a shipboard environment?) and the brass has a lovely rich unpolished patina.
The mainspring is strong and the action is crisp in both half and full position.
The top mounted safety catch and sliding trigger guard operate as they should.
The bayonet also operates correctly and locks into position although perhaps not as crisp as it once was.
The side mounted ramrod is of polished wood with a horn tip.
Associated accessories include;
- A polished hardwood and brass cleaning rod
- A turnscrew
- A touch hole or pan brush (with spare bristles)
- A large calibre bullet mould
- A rather nice cylindrical powder flask (damaged spring)
The case also contains a number of flints, some wadding and a few large and small calibre lead shot.
The case is a handsome dovetailed item in itself with a lock (no key) and a brass handle fixed to the lid.
It has a total of 9 green baise lined compartments, 2 of which are lidded with what look like bone handles.
The wood has a lovely rich colouration and the edges have been smoothed over the centuries.
Unfortunately though those centuries have also been unkind to this case where heavy handling have caused the joints to start opening up on one side (still secure though) and there are many bruises and marks upon its surface.
It is a lovely piece without its case, but sitting in its section alongside the accessories, it really looks the part.
Barrel length 14.5cm, Overall length 26.5cm, Case 32cm x 20cm x6.5cm.
This antique pistol is considered obsolete and non functioning, and is sold as a collectable, ornamental item. This product is available for purchase in the UK without a license
