May 18, 2021 Early Arms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/18/2021
According to page 105 of "Gunmakers of London: 1350-1850" by Howard L. Blackmore; Joseph Griffin and John Tow were partners located at 10 New Bond Street in London between 1772 and 1782. This example has a flared round brass barrel with private London view and proof marks, as well as a crown over "IB". The top is engraved "LONDON" in block letters. The convex lockplate is marked "GRIFFIN / & TOW" in the center. The brass mounts are military in style with some light engraving on the triggerguard and buttplate tang. The plain walnut stock is of classic Georgian form with a relief carved apron around the barrel tang. Complete with an associated wooden ramrod. CONDITION: Barrel and furniture polished bright. Barrel and stock were shortened slightly during period of use, probably for concealment purposes. Lock is in its original flintlock configuration and retains a grey spotted patina. Lock mechanism is weak and sometimes does not hold on full-cock. Frizzen and pan screws have been hammered flat or replaced. Stock shows some losses on right side along barrel, as well as some cracks. Otherwise good with scattered marks from age and use. A very attractive brass-barreled English blunderbuss. DMG
Manufacturer
Griffin & Tow