This early 19th century blunderbuss features a two-stage barrel that flares to approximately 1 1/4 inches at the muzzle and has an approximately 10 gauge bore towards the breech. The top of the barrel is inscribed: "Presented by the London & Birmingham Railway/Company to John Dew Police Officer as a memorial/Of his services during the Riot at Kilsby April 24th 1837" and is signed "W. PARKER, HOLBORN, LONDON," on the octagonal breech section. London proof marks are on the upper left flat at the breech. The flat beveled lock is signed "W. PARKER" at center and has a frizzen spring roller, sliding safety, and light engraving. The brass mounts are also lightly engraved and include a stylized pineapple finial on the trigger guard. At least one other of these presentation blunderbusses are known. The inscription indicates the blunderbuss was presented to a police officer named John Dew for his involvement in quelling the riot at Kilsby in 1837. The riot occurred when the railway laborers attacked two police officers who had arrested two laborers about to take part in a fight. The crowd was said to be two to three hundred strong, but the officers were able to remove the prisoners. After they did so, the crowd swelled and succeeded in breaking into the station house to free the prisoners and hurling stones at the police as well as at the house of John Lee where the police were lodged. In order to quell the riot, the officers called to the Weedon barracks for soldiers for reinforcements. The soldiers and police succeeded in hauling off the ring leaders of the mob. The laborers worked for the London & Birmingham Railway Company and were engaged in the construction of the Kilsby Tunnel.

Fine with attractively aged patina on the brass barrel and mounts, dark patina on the lock, replaced cock and safety, and mild wear. The barrel is obstructed internally at the breech. The stock is very good with mild scratches and dings, visible checkering, and chips absent at the front of the forend. Mechanically fine.