English Flintlock Blunderbuss circa. 18th century

English Flintlock Blunderbuss circa 18th century

In the early 18th century the blunderbuss (also called the blunderbess) was a popular weapon for close range fighting. Like a shot gun, it produced a lethal blast of shot or ball. In the mid 1700's it was in widespread use by soldiers, sailors and civilians for close quarter defense and its popularity lasted for nearly forty years.

The blundernbuss with its short barrel and bell shaped muzzle delivered the same sort of lethal punch as a sawn off shotgun. As such it was favoured by naval boarding parties for its shock effect at close range.

It  was the weapon of choice of pirates and privateers at sea. On board ship the steel barrels were often japanned (covered witha heavy black laquer to protect the steel from the corosive effects of ther salt water

In the American colonies settlers armed themselves with blunderbusses and by the late 18th century the blunderbuss had gained fame as the weapon of choice of coachmen to thwart attacks by highwaymen.

Weighs approx 2.1kg and measures approx 74cm.