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LOT 308
Attractive J. & W. Richards Marked Flintlock Blunderbuss with Unique Elliptical Muzzle - NSN, 1 inch gauge, 16 inch part octagon bbl., blue/brown/ casehardened finish, walnut stock. Manufactured c. the early 19th century by Joseph and William Richards of Birmingham, who were active c. 1799-1817, with Joseph reportedly carrying on the business until about 1830. The two-stage iron barrel is octagonal at the breech, transitioning to ovoidal, and flaring at the muzzle giving a slight “duckbill” appearance. There are British proofs on the upper left flat. The lock is marked “J&W/Richards” at the center of the lockplate, with light border engraving and foliate engraving on the cock and tail. The furniture is brass with light engraving and an acorn finial on the trigger guard. The full length stock is smooth walnut and the ramrod is tipped with dark horn. The bore is estimated at 1 inch and flares to 2 1/8 inches on the long axis at the muzzle. CONDITION: Very good, the barrel showing mostly a mixture of brown finish and smooth brown patina with some light surface pitting scattered throughout. Traces of silvered case colors on remain on the lock. The wood is fine with stabilized minor cracks on either side of the forestock near the muzzle and scattered minor dings. Mechanically fine. Estimate: 3,000 - 4,500
LOT 309
Fine Ketland & Co. Brass Barrel Flintlock Blunderbuss with Underslung “Snap Bayonet” - NSN, 20 gauge, 15 1/2 inch part octagon bbl., bright finish, walnut stock. Manufactured circa 1800-1810. The brass barrel is four stages with the bore flaring at the muzzle to approximately 1 inch, “London” in script on top, and turned moldings. British proofs including boxed “T-K” on the upper left. The sprung bayonet is fitted beneath the barrel, and the iron ramrod is housed on the left side. The engraved iron standing breech has a sighting groove. The flat beveled lock has a stepped tail and is signed “Ketland/& Co.” The walnut, half length stock is fitted with engraved brass furniture including a trigger guard incorporating the bayonet release trigger on the finial. “DE” is marked behind the trigger guard tang. The bore is estimated at 20 gauge. CONDITION: Fine, the barrel and other brass components mostly bright with an attractive lightly aged patina, and the iron showing a bright grey patina with some light flash pitting. The wood is also fine with some minor stabilized cracking/filler repair around the barrel wedge and otherwise scattered minor dings. Mechanically excellent. Estimate: 3,000 - 4,500
LOT 310 Rea Brass Barrel Flintlock Blunderbuss Inscribed “Happy is He Who Escapes Me” - NSN, 10 gauge, 12 1/2 inch round bbl., bright finish, walnut stock. Though the lock reads “F. REA” currently, this mark should have been “I-REA” for gunmaker John Rea of London near the end of the 18th century. The barrel is inscribed “HAPPY IS HE WHO ESCAPES ME” near the flared muzzle and “PATENT LONDON” on top of the breech section. It is also marked with London proofs. The bore flares to 1.15 inches at the muzzle. The furniture is brass and features floral engraving and a pineapple trigger guard finial. CONDITION: Good with mottled gray and brown patina and mild pitting on the lock, aged patina on the barrel and furniture, rubbed barrel markings, and general moderate wear overall. The stock is very good and has mild overall wear including numerous scrapes and dings. Mechanically fine. Estimate: 2,250 - 3,500
LOT 311
Rare Engraved Wilson & Co. Back Action Percussion Blunderbuss with Folding Snap Bayonet - NSN, 14 gauge, 14 inch part octagon bbl., bright/casehardened finish, walnut stock. Percussion era blunderbusses are rarer than their flintlock predecessors. The approximately 14 bore blunderbuss has a two-stage brass barrel that flares out to a 1.3 inch bore diameter at the muzzle, scroll engraving and “Liverpool” on top, and a folding bayonet. The back action lock is marked “WILSON & CO” and has scroll engraving. The brass furniture also features scroll engraving, and the stock has a checkered wrist. CONDITION: Very good with attractive aged patina on the brass, gray and brown patina on the iron, repaired hammer, weak bayonet spring, and general mild wear. The period refinished stock is very good and has distinct checkering and minor scratches and dings. Mechanically fine. Estimate: 2,250 - 3,500
LOT 312
Attractive William Wilson, London Marked Brass Barrel Blunderbuss/Coach Gun -
NSN, 16 gauge, 15 1/2 inch part octagon bbl., bright finish, walnut stock. Manufactured c. the late 18th century by William Wilson of London, who was active from c. 1747-1808. The brass three-stage barrel is octagonal at the breech, transitions to round, and flares at the muzzle. It is marked “LONDON” on the top flat and has two deeply struck oval British proofs on the upper left. The beveled and border engraved lock is marked “Wilson” at the center. The furniture is brass with light engraving matching the lock and an acorn finial on the trigger guard. The near full-length stock is smooth walnut with light molding around the barrel tang and the ramrod is tipped with light horn. The bore is estimated at 16 gauge and flares at the muzzle to approximately 1 inch. CONDITION: Very good, the barrel and other brass components showing a mostly bright, attractive, lightly aged tone, with the lock and iron components showing a mostly bright grey patina with some scattered light pitting. The stock is very good with a couple minor splits in the left of the forestock and on the bottom at the tail of the entry pipe, and scattered minor dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent. Estimate: 2,500 - 3,750
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