Often called the “Thunder Pipe”, as well as other names, this device is a specimen of a short shotgun-like muzzleloader known as a ‘Blunderbuss’. The blunderbuss was a single-shot, 18^th century flintlock firearm that originated in the Netherlands in the 1720s and used in many European countries in their civilian, military and the naval occupations. Mail and passenger coaches on the road commonly had guards who carried a blunderbuss and two pistols as protection from area highwaymen. These arms were also by various naval forces, including pirates, and used aboard ship in the repelling of enemy boarders. Blunderbusses were mostly used in defensive situations.

Total length of the item is 37” long and includes a full stock, a 21¾” long, steel, round barrel, flared at the muzzle end. Barrel exhibits markings of “LONDON” on the top flat of the breech area, as well as British viewer marks on the left-side of breech. Barrel exhibits moderate areas of pitting and dark oxidation especially at the touch hole. This short, large caliber muzzleloader is in very good original condition.

Its full walnut stock measures almost 37” long and has a factory-checkered wrist area, all brass furniture including the butt plate, triggerguard, side plate, and two ramrod ferrules under the barrel. No maker markings visible on the wood. Stock exhibits an old repair at the lockplate along with a small sliver of wood missing behind the hammer. The stock flat opposite the hammer bears a brass, decorative military motif sideplate of bugles, cannon and flags. Stock is pinned in two places to secure the barrel. Brass furniture includes the decorative triggerguard, buttplate, side plate and ramrod tubes or ferrules. Retains the original wooden ramrod. The blunderbuss exhibits strong mechanics. The smooth bore is dark. A seldom seen English military-style blunderbuss.

DISCLAIMER: All firearms are sold as collector's items only - we do not accept responsibility as to the shooting safety or reliability of any antique firearm. All firearms are described as accurately as possible, given the restraints of a catalog listing length. We want satisfied customers & often "under" describe the weapons. Any city or state regulations regarding owning antique firearms are the responsibility of the purchaser. All firearms are "mechanically perfect" unless noted, but again, are NOT warranted as safe to fire!

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