Isaac Barber of Newark was active around 1773-1804 before going into partnership with Robert Boaler. This impressive firearm is an early double barrel blunderbuss with two 16 gauge barrels that flare out to a little over an inch at the muzzles and is mounted with a folding snap bayonet which seats between the barrels. The two-stage octagonal to round barrels are each inscribed "Newark" in script on top of the breech section and have Tower private proof marks. Each muzzle has a pronounced turned band, and the breech sections are each finely engraved with a band of beadwork. The finely engraved iron standing breech incorporates the sliding bayonet catch. The locks are each signed "Barber" and have large rollers on the frizzen springs, sliding half-cock safeties, and stepped tails. The rear lock retaining screws attach to the standing breech while the front screw passes from the left lock into the right lock. The furniture is brass and includes a pineapple motif on the trigger guard finial along with shell and floral engraving on the trigger guard bow and a classical martial motif on the heel of the buttplate. The stock extends almost to the muzzles and has broad checkering border molding to the wrist. The Norman R. Blank Collection's notes state this blunderbuss was purchased from Albert Malafronte in 1964. Provenance: The Albert Malafronte Collection; The Norman R. Blank Collection

Very fine with attractive aged patina on the brass, mostly gray and brown patina on the iron, some strong original nitre blue on some of the smaller parts such as the frizzen springs, and generally light age and storage related wear overall. The screw on the tail of the standing breech has possibly been replaced. The stock is fine and has crisp checkering, minor edge wear, repaired cracks visible along the left side of the forend, and minor scratches and dings. Mechanically excellent, including the snap bayonet.