Original 18th Century British Brass Barrel Flintlock Blunderbuss by John Rimes of London - Circa 1750

Original Item: Only One Available. This is wonderful mid 18th Century British brass barreled Blunderbuss, very popular as a coaching and close quarters weapon during the time. The lock is maker marked with a stamped RIMES, which research indicates is for John Rimes of London, who was later succeeded by his son Nathaniel. He worked out of 66 Bell Dock, Wapping, London, and supplied firearms to the East India Company in 1772. His work is well-regarded for its elegant detailing and solid craftsmanship. We have compared the marking on the lock with other known examples, and the style is a match, and looks to have been stamped in place.

This fine example has an early military type rounded faced lock plate with a single screw behind the cock and without any frizzen reinforcement bar marked to the flash pan. The blunderbuss measures 31 1/4" in overall length and has a lovely 16 1/4" long three stage round brass barrel. The trigger guard, also made of brass, is also of early form and the butt plate is flat and nailed onto the butt stock, being made from sheet brass.

The brass side plate is typical of those found on Brown Bess muskets from the time, and the wooden ramrod has a lovely brass tip. The gun's barrel bears London Proof Marks, including the CROWN / GP "Gunmakers" black powder proof and the CROWN / V "Viewed" mark. There is a makers touchmark in between these, however it is two worn to read.

In really nice tight original condition this is a lovely example dating from the mid 18th century. The metalwork has matured beautifully, showing some past oxidation on the lock and barrel tang, but no major damage. The hammer action is strong, and the lock holds correctly at half-cock, firing at full. The wood stock has a lovely color and also displays lovely grain throughout. There is some cracking on the left side running back from the breech area under the side plate, which is a very common place for this to occur. We do not see any past repairs or other major issues.

Clearly long well treasured, this is ready to research and display! A worthy addition to any British blunderbuss collection!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1750
Caliber: Blunderbuss
Ammunition Type: Lead Shot & Powder
Barrel Length: 16 1/4 inches
Overall Length: 31 1/4 inches
Action: Flintlock Side Action
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

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