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LOT 1257
British Sea Service Brass Barrel Flintlock Blunderbuss with
“TOWER 1757” Marked Lock - NSN, 10 gauge, 16 1/8 inch round
bbl., bright finish, walnut stock. The multi-stage barrel has London commercial proofmarks and flares to
around 1 1/4 inches at the muzzle. The main bore is closer to 10 bore. The rounded lock has the Georgian cipher
at the center, a smaller crown mark below the pan, and “TOWER/1757” at the tail which has a pointed tip. The furniture
is brass. The buttplate is secured by square-head nails. The ramrod has a brass tip and is held by a single ferrule. The lack of a ramrod entry pipe was common on British “Sea Service” arms used by the Royal Navy.
LOT 1258
Pair of J. & W. Richards Boxlock Flintlock Blunderbuss Pistols with Snap Bayonets -A) Richards Flintlock Blunderbuss Pistol - NSN, 50 cal., 6 3/4 inch round bbl., bright finish,
walnut grips. These pistols are of the type sometimes
referred to as “Sea Captain’s Pistols” or “Boarding Pistols.”
They would have been excellent choices as sidearms for
a captain for fighting off mutineers or a boarding party
or for use by boarding party members when attacking
another vessel. A very similar pair are on display at the
Salem Maritime National Historic Site as an example of
the pistols used by merchant vessels. Together, they offer two quick shots of buckshot followed by rapidly deployed “snap bayonets” with 4 1/2 inch long blades that spring into action when the trigger guards are pulled back. The “brass” gunmetal barrels and actions would have been more resistant to the corrosive effects
CONDITION: Fine with aged patina on the brass, mottled gray patina and light oxidation on the lock, and mild wear. The stock is also fine and has numerous mild scrapes and dings. Mechanically fine. Provenance: The Norm Flayderman Collection; The Greg Lampe Collection.
Estimate: 5,000 - 8,000
of saltwater. These could have also been employed as defensive
pistols for a coach in case they were attacked by highwaymen.
The bores are around .50 caliber and then flare to .87 caliber at
the muzzles. Baleen ramrods with light horn tips are fitted to the
left sides, and London proofs flaking “R” maker’s marks are located just above the rear ferrule. The left side of the actions are marked “J. & W. RICHARDS,” and the right sides have
“LONDON” in an oval surrounded by some classical martial motifs. Iron safety catches are fitted on top, and the iron trigger guards have floral blooms engraved on the bows. The slab sided grips are nicely figured.
Joseph and William Richards worked at 16 Staining Lane, London, 1808–10 and had retail premises at 62, Strand, London. They also worked as gun and rifle makers at 49 New Street, Birmingham, 1799-1817,
from which Joseph carried on alone until 1830.
CONDITION: Fine with attractively aged patina, some light oxidation, some cracks/repairs on the front bayonet stud, and generally fairly minor overall wear. The grip is very fine and has some slight dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent. B) Richards Flintlock Blunderbuss Pistol - NSN, 50 cal., 6 3/4 inch round bbl., bright finish, walnut grips. See “A.”
CONDITION: Fine with attractively aged patina, some light oxidation, and general minor overall wear. The grip is very fine and has some mild dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: The Greg Lampe Collection.
Estimate: 3,000 - 5,000
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