Northwestern Europe, England, ca. late 18th to early 19th century CE. A handsome English flintlock blunderbuss or musketoon with a full wooden stock, brass fittings, and iron barrel with the characteristic flared muzzle. The first half of the barrel is octagonal, but changes to a cylinder shape that allows large projectiles - akin to small cannon balls - to be fired! The flintlock firing mechanism still contains the flint needed for firing. The lock plate is stamped with the British East India Company emblem of a rampart lion and "3" with a crown. Two iron rings on the underside of the barrel and backstock hold a leather strap in place - while not original to the gun, the strap illustrates the way the soldier would carry this hefty weapon. The thick backstock is decorated with an incised crosshatched pattern. A blunderbuss used by the East India Company, such as this, was for defense on the ship and at the colony outpost to ensure order amongst the new subjects reluctant to join the British Empire. Size: 36" L x 4.5" W (91.4 cm x 11.4 cm); bore: 2" Diameter (5.1 cm)

This piece has been searched against the Art Loss Register database and has been cleared. The Art Loss Register maintains the world's largest database of stolen art, collectibles, and antiques.

Provenance: private Newport Beach, California, USA collection

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#166776

Ram rod slides in guides stiffly, but removable. Chips to wood and abrasions as expected with age and use. Stable pressure fissures along the forestock and backstock. Leather strap is not original. Trigger and hammer articulate. Dark patina on wood and metal areas. Stamps on lock plate are slightly soft but discernable. Gun has not been tested for firing functionality.