This blunderbuss by Theophilus Richards (1747-1828) is particularly rare in that it has silver furniture dating to 1794. Blunderbusses are not typically luxury arms, but a well-to-do gentleman may have preferred to have his coach armed with a fancier blunderbuss. "The Concise History of Birmingham" from 1808 noted, “The shop of Theophilus Richards, in the High Street, is the toyshop of Birmingham; for the elegance of its appearance and the multiplicity of its valuable articles it is scarcely rivalled,” and the shop was known for its silver goods. The multi-stage barrel has Birmingham private proofs on the upper left (pre-1813) and a folding "snap bayonet" with a 12 inch blade. The bore flares out to around 1 1/8 inches at the muzzle. The lock has a large frizzen spring roller, stepped tail with burst engraving, sliding half-cock safety, and "T/RICHARDS" signed at the center. The furniture is silver and features floral and martial engraving, a pineapple finial on the trigger guard, and Birmingham silver hallmarks, including the "W" date code for 1794 and a "CF" maker's mark. The stock has a checkered wrist.

Fine overall with light aged patina on the brass barrel, dark brown patina and mild pitting on the lock and bayonet, mostly bright polished silver with some dark aged patina in the recesses, and general minor overall wear. The stock is also fine and has crisp checkering, minor dings and scratches, and a few small flakes. Mechanically excellent, including the bayonet.