British blunderbusses were issued to the Royal Mail coaches to defend against highwaymen and were also widely used to protect the private carriages of the elite. This example was manufactured by John Richards (active 1782-1808) and is marked with "JNO/RICHARDS" on the lock, "STRAND LONDON" on the top of the barrel, Tower private proofs at the breech on the left, and light engraving accents. The barrel has a 1 1/4 inside diameter at the muzzle and is approximately 10 gauge.

Very good. The barrel has an attractive golden rod patina. The barrel tang has gray patina and minor pitting. The lock has dark brown patina, faint pitting, and minor oxidation. The remaining surfaces have aged patina. The good stock is revarnished and has some chipping around the pins, a sliver absent from the forend at the muzzle on the right side, and minor dings. Mechanically excellent.