May 27, 2020 Founders & Patriots
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/27/2020
This blunderbuss is pictured and described on pages 120 and 121 of "For Liberty I Live" by Al Benting. According to the book this blunderbuss is said to have been used on April 19th 1775 by a horseman from Chelmsford, however there is no documentation to support this. The two stage 20-1/2" blunderbuss barrel has a 2" bore diameter and is of Damascus steel. The stages are separated by an inlaid brass band. The lock is an early banana lock with a doglock cock. The unbridled pan in unfaceted. The furniture is brass, including a cast sideplate featuring a relief hunting scene. The buttplate and trigger guard are also brass and appear to be in the French style. Ramrod ferrules are also brass. A handforged iron band retains the barrel to the stock towards the muzzle. A crude brass ramrod accompanies the blunderbuss. The full length stock appears to be fruit wood or figured maple, and there are relief carved panels around the lock and sideplate. There is also a relief border around the barrel tang followed by an unusual relief carved foliate scroll. CONDITION: Barrel retains a brown patina with Damascus still visible. Lock is in its original flintlock configuration and functions well, its retains a dark brown patina. Brass is unpolished and retains a dark mustard patina. Stock shows scattered cracks, chips, and minor repairs. A piece of wood is replaced along the right side of the forend and measures about 7" along the barrel. Ramrod ferrules are very thin and show some losses. An early and unusual blunderbuss.