Blunderbusses are widely recognized for their use by and against boarding parties in naval combat, especially by the British Navy and pirates. This has made them highly desirable collectibles. Those with brass barrels were especially suited for the high seas since they are resistant to salt water corrosion. British blunderbusses were also issued to the Royal Mail coaches to defend against highwaymen. They were used by civilians on private vessels and on land for self-defense. Their flared muzzles acted as a funnel and made reloading much easier while bumping along in a coach or on the rolling seas. Most reports indicate they perform similar to modern short barrel shotguns of the same bore size making them well suited for close quarters offensive and defense engagements. This early 19th century civilian blunderbuss has no visible maker's marks, but the barrel has two "crown/cross scepter" proofmarks without royal cipher marks on the upper left near the breech indicating it was proofed in at the Tower of London prior to 1810. The lock, trigger guard, and buttplate tang have scroll engraving. The latter also has a roller on the frizzen, a feature common in the early 19th century, and is secured by a single cross screw. It is equipped with a 10 inch snap bayonet on top of the barrel that serves as a rapid deployment secondary weapon should a charge of buckshot prove insufficient.

Fair. The brass displays attractive aged patinas, darker patination in the protected areas, and some small dings and nicks. The trigger guard and buttplate have more recent engraving, and the engraving on the trigger guard finial was not completed. The buttplate is dented on the right. The iron components display mottled gray patina and moderate pitting. The tang screws are replacements. The partially restored stock is near fine and has a pattern of round dings on either side of the butt that appear to be from bird shot, surface chipping on the right side of the butt above the toe which is blackened and has repaired cracks, and overall scattered scrapes and dings. The lock needs work. It won't hold full-cock and will release from half-cock. The bayonet release and latch function properly. Overall, this is an attractive civilian blunderbuss well suited to a pirate or British imperial collection.