There were two Edward Norths, father and son, active in London in the 18th century up to 1761 and 1771 respectively. Both supplied guns to bankers. This blunderbuss may have been used as a guards gun on a coach. It has deep gashes on the left and right side of the stock that cut into the buttplate. It would appear the butt was used to block blows from sword or axe or perhaps swung as a bludgeon and parried. Information from a prior listing indicated the original owner lost his life while fending off sword blows with this gun while in a fight with Customs Officials. The lock is marked "E/NORTH" at center, and the barrel has "EN" between London proof and view marks on the left at the breech, "LONDON" on top, and floral engraving at the breech. The brass furniture also has some light engraving. The gauge is estimated above, and the bore flares out to about 1 5/16 inches at the muzzle. The stock has nicely shaped tear drop flats and raised shell carving at the barrel tang.

Very good with aged patina on the brass, dark gray and brown patina on the lock, minor oxidation and pitting, and general mild wear. The stock is fine and has a missing front barrel pin, minor cracks, the strike damage noted above, and mild scratches and dings. Mechanically fine. This is certainly an attractive example of a classic English blunderbuss and is sure to be an excellent conversation piece thanks to its interesting battle scars.