CIRCA 1790 BRITISH BRASS BLUNDERBUSS
A 31 1/2" long British "blunderbuss" with a heavy 16 3/8" brass barrel having a 1 1/4" bore at the flared muzzle. The barrel is round with step downs at the breech and 6" from the breech. The breech exhibits deeply struck Birmingham proofs as well as the engraved initials "NW" and a large die struck numeral "4". All brass furniture with an acorn final on the trigger guard. The rear ramrod pipe, trigger guard bow, butt plate extension, and flower shaped lock bolt plate are all decoratively engraved. Barrel and furniture all in very fine condition. The lock with roller frizzen is marked "FERRIER" with a few small patches of light pitting. The wood is generally excellent with a nice, smooth patina, with a few minor scattered dents, and there is a replaced sliver just forward of the lock along the barrel, and a 1/2" x 2" piece replaced between the lock and the barrel tang. Both repairs appear quite old and are very nicely done. The forced 'cap' is a 1 1/2" section of wood that has been dyed black, completely original. The brass tipped ramrod is probably a correct old replacement. A nice example of this iconic form of early, close combat, military and defensive weapon.