Blunderbuss
Category
Arms and armour
Date
Unknown
Materials
Wood, brass and iron
Measurements
790 mm (Length)
Order this imageCollection
Erddig, Wrexham
NT 1148966
Summary
Flintlock blunderbuss
Full description
English flintlock blunderbuss, c1730, the barrel circa 1700 and the lock later, probably by John Bennett, London 1758-1803. Brass barrel formed in 3 stages, octagonal at the breech, then 16 sided, and then round to the flared muzzle. The breech, formed with a raised moulding, is stamped with proof marks of the London Gunmakers Company, together the makers mark, IP under a Crown (? indistinct). Retained to the stock by 2 barrel pins. Ramrod missing. Barrel length 34.3cm. Diameter at muzzle 37mm. Walnut full stock with curved hand-rail form butt. Carved and raised apron to the barrel tang. There are repairs around the lock recess. Brass furniture comprising; buttplate (fixed with small nails) with decorative upper tang, plain trigger guard with a decorative finial, engraved side-plate and 2 ramrod pipes. Plain flintlock, of flat form with a bevelled edge and a stepped tail, and signed BENNETT. The cock, although of the correct style is a replacement from a left-hand lock (top-jaw and part of top-jaw screw missing) and consequently is mounted in reverse. The frizzen spring has an anti-friction roller. The frizzen pivot screw is missing. Retained to the stock by 2 sidenails. Overall length: 71cm
Provenance
Given by Phillip Yorke III (1905-1978) along with the estate, house and contents to the National Trust in 1973.
Marks and inscriptions
Lockplate.: Bennett
References
Blackmore, 1986: Howard Blackmore: A Dictionary of London Gunmakers 1350-1850