Lot 17: Unknown Blunderbus Shotgun 1 1/4 inch

This is an example of a Brown flintlock blunderbuss with brass barrel and furniture and a snap bayonet. The lock plate is script marked "Brown". The brass barrel has a pair of British proofs stamped on the rear left side and the muzzle has a 1 1/4 inch opening. The snap bayonet is 11 inches long and the release mechanism is located on the iron barrel tang. The buttplate, side plate, trigger guard, ramrod pipes, and thumb shield are also brass. The trigger guard and side plate are engraved with a floral blossom and the buttplate tang is engraved with a scroll pattern. The trigger guard has an acorn finial. Mounted on a smooth straight grip stock. The consignor reports that this blunderbuss was one that was ordered by Capt. John Barry for the Frigate United States. We have no documentation available at time of description.

Very good. The action, barrel tang, and bayonet have a dark mottled patina. The brass is fine with a dark patina in the protected areas. The stock is fine with a crack on the left side flat, repairs on the forearm, a surface chip missing near the barrel tang and a number of minor handling marks overall.