Nicholas Clarke of Dublin was active c.1787-1811. While heavily associated with the seas, the blunderbuss was also a popular choice for defending coaches from highwaymen, and this gun was very likely built for that purpose. In Ireland, highway robbery was an act of resistance against British rule and colonization. The muzzle flares to about 1 1/2 inches at the muzzle and is marked "CLARKE DUBLIN" on top of the breech section. The vent is coned. A folding "snap" bayonet with 10 1/2 inch blade is fitted on the barrel and secured when closed by a catch on the upper tang. The lock is marked "CLARKE." The stock is "skeletonized" in the butt to reduce weight.