This 18th century blunderbuss has two English proofs on the left side at the breech and "crown/GR" on the lock. The later signifies that the lock was manufactured under Georgian rule (1714-1820). The smooth barrel with engraved bands at the breech is the shape most common in the early decades of the 18th century. It measures 1 5/8 inches at the muzzle (gauge above estimated) and is fitted with a snap bayonet. The bayonet catch is fitted on the upper tang. When the catch is pulled, the bayonet snaps forward and locks on a lug at the top of the muzzle. Snap bayonets offered a convenient backup weapon to single shot firearms and were employed primarily on blunderbusses and pistols. The flared muzzle shape of the former prevented a standard socket or plug bayonet from being fitted, but the generally close quarters use of the blunderbuss meant that a ready back up was necessary. If the hail of shot and the bayonet failed, the heavy butt of the blunderbuss served as an excellent club as a last resort. These weapons were often employed on ships and were favorites of sailor and pirates alike due to their impressive fire power. The flared muzzle shape allowed for faster and easier reloading, and the open bore facilitated fairly large shot patterns. The brass barrels were more corrosion resistant than iron and were particularly desirable for sea service weapons. Blunderbusses were used for two centuries and are the predecessors of modern combat shotguns. This example's barrel length is even the same as many modern defense shotguns. They were largely replaced in the second quarter of the 19th century by military carbines that were better suited for engagements at varying ranges, but some are known to have been used by civilians as home defense weapons well into the middle of the century. Eventually double barrel shotguns and breech loaders made the blunderbuss fully obsolete, but even to this day many are allured by their large, fearsome bores and connection to pirate lore.