Griffin & Tow, a partnership between Joseph Griffin and John Tow, were active in 1772 to 1782 on New Bond Street in London and were contractors to the East India Company. This carbine/blunderbuss has a muzzle that flares out to .90 caliber and a main bore estimated at .62 caliber. These short barreled weapons were very useful at short range for defending coaches, ships, homes, and businesses and were also used on horseback. The flared, smoothbore barrel made them easier to load, especially on the move. They were essentially the first combat shotguns. The barrel is marked with "GRIFFIN & TOW LONDON" on top preceded by Tower crown and cross scepter proofmarks. The right side of the barrel has a manual folding bayonet with 6 5/8 inch blade with "scoop" profile and 11 inch overall length. The lock is marked "GRIFFIN/& TOW" and has a sliding half-cock safety and track-line border engraving. The trigger guard, side plate, and buttplate have floral engraving. The trigger guard also has an acorn finial. The stock has raised carving around the engraved upper tang and an inlaid tutenague type thumb plate (similar to later German silver). Provenance: Gillespie collection.

Very good. The barrel and lock have mottled gray patina, mild pitting and oxidation, and mild edge wear. The brass has aged patina and some general light scratches and marks. The stock has a crack on the left side of the forend, a sliver repaired where the bayonet rests on the right, a small tension crack at the rear lock screw, and general dings and light scratches concentrated on the butt. Mechanically fine. Overall a very attractive weapon with an unusual bayonet style.