Original British Brass Barrel Flintlock Coaching Blunderbuss by Robert Wheeler of London with Spring Loaded Bayonet - circa 1800

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a fantastic Brass Barreled Flintlock Blunderbuss Coaching Gun, made circa 1800 and at some point fitted with a fantastic spring loaded triangular bayonet. The lock on this example is marked WHEELER, for Robert Wheeler of London, a known gunsmith who worked from 1767-1813. It is also marked LONDON on top of the barrel, without any proof marks, which are most likely on the underside of the barrel.

This lovely matured blunderbuss measures 27 1/4 inches in overall length with a 12 inch long three stage swamped brass barrel, which is octagonal around the breech. This itself is fitted with a 9 inch long spring bayonet located on the top of the barrel. This is held closed by an iron safety catch on the barrel tang, and when released it locks into place. There is a release button on the left side of the bayonet base, and it still functions correctly. Looking at the bayonet, it is very possible that it was fitted post production, when the blunderbuss was put into coaching service, as the bayonet definitely increases the self-defense potential. The blunderbuss is all brass fitted, and the fittings now display a lovely aged patina, which makes the engraved the designs really "pop".

The blunder buss features all brass fittings, which have some lovely decorations, including a fantastic well-engraved "acorn" finial on the front of the trigger guard. They have a lovely golden patina that matches the barrel well. The lock plate shows some light past oxidation, but is still in very good shape. It is an advanced design, featuring a roller on the frizzen spring and frizzen reinforcement bridle going to the flash pan as well. We tested the lock, and it is functional, holding correctly at half cock and firing at full, and the half cock safety is functional as well.

The stock is very nice, and has two ramrod pipes under the muzzle, with a wooden ramrod still in place. The stock has a lovely color, showing the grain well, though there is some cracking and damage on both sides of the stock near the muzzle. The left side is missing material along the top for the last 3-4 inches, while the right side has a chunk missing, as well as some cracking. We have left these in place to preserve the history of the piece.

A lovely and very hard to find original brass flintlock coaching blunderbuss by a known British Gun Maker, with a fantastic spring loaded bayonet on top. Ready to research and display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1800
Caliber: Blunderbuss Swamped Barrel - 0.96" at Muzzle
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 12 inches
Overall Length: 27 1/4 inches
Action: Flintlock Top Action with Half Cock Safety
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

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