Blunderbuss
Wise
Category
Arms and armour
Date
circa 1775 - 1800
Materials
Brass
Measurements
710 mm (Length)
Place of origin
Bristol
Order this imageCollection
Clevedon Court, North Somerset
NT 623362
Summary
18th century Flintlock Blunderbuss with brass mounts, signed Wise, Bristol.
Full description
English flintlock blunderbuss, c1775, by Wise, Bristol (probably John Wise, Wine St. Bristol - hardwareman & jeweller c1770 - 1808) Brass barrel of cannon form, constructed in 2 stages, octagonal to round, separated by turned moldings, with a flared muzzle. Stamped with London Gunmakers Company proof marks and signed in script, WISE, BRISTOL. Retained to the stock by 2 barrel pins. Ramrod missing. Length 33cm. Diameter at muzzle 27mm. Walnut full stock with hand-rail form butt, carved apron around the barrel tang. Engraved brass furniture comprising; buttplate with “stand of arms” engraved on the tang, trigger guard with acorn finial, escutcheon, side-plate and 2 ramrod pipes. Scroll trigger. Flintlock, of flat form with border engraving and stepped tail. Makers signature (illegible). Cock and frizzen missing. Retained to the stock by 2 sidenails. References Brian Godwin, Bristol Gunmakers from the 16th to 20th Century, published 2012
Marks and inscriptions
Barrel breech - top flat: Wise, Bristol Barrel breech - left flat: London Gunmakers Company GP and V
Makers and roles
Wise , gunsmith