Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. This is a magnificent early 19th century British Brass Barreled Naval Blunderbuss Swivel gun, marked around the substantial muzzle with ISABELLA on the top and LIVERPOOL on the bottom. Research indicates that this is for the the merchant vessel ISABELLA, originally built by John Warwick of Rotherhithe and launched 9 January 1818. This ship had a VERY long career, with SIX voyages to Australia transporting convicts between 1818 and 1842. She also undertook a voyage for the British East India Company to trade with China, which took place 1826 - 1827. After her prisoner transport career, the ship was purchased in 1848 by Simson & Co. of London, who sailed her as part of the North American Trade. She was last listed in Lloyd's Register in 1850. Her eventual fate is not known, but we assume she was either lost or broken up. For more detailed information please see this lovely article on Wikipedia: Isabella (1818 ship).
This lovely blunderbuss was acquired at some point during her long service, probably during the 1830s or possibly 1840s. The blunderbuss measures 40 1/4 inches in overall length with a 20 inch swamped brass barrel, and has all brass fittings, as is correct for a naval swivel gun. It is marked on the top of the barrel by maker BLISSETT & SON. LIVERPOOL. This is a known maker from the 1830s, with the son being John Blissett, who would operate on his own 1840-1877 in both London and Liverpool. The barrel is also marked with the correct Birmingham proof marks, including the CROWN / CROSSED SCEPTERS / BPC "proof" and CROWN / CROSSED SCEPTERS / V "viewed" marks. These were in use from 1813 to 1855, which puts it right in period for use with the ISABELLA of 1818. Interesting there is also a 12 marking between the proofs, indicating that the cylindrical portion of the barrel is in "12 bore", or approximately 0.729, which looks to be accurate.
The lock of the gun is marked across the tail with WARRANTED, indicating that it is most likely a "trade lock" purchased from a lock maker. It is definitely a modern example, with a bridled powder pan frizzen support, and it is quite substantially built. It is functional, with a strong main spring, however it does not hold at half cock due to wear on the tumbler.
Condition overall is very good, showing a lovely glow on the wood and a nice mellow patina on the barrel and mountings. The stock has a beautiful color and is solid, with no major damage that we can see. The blunderbuss has brass sheet wrapping forward of the lock, which is where the swivel yoke is installed. This is in great shape, and still has intact threading on the bottom. Together with the yoke the gun weighs and impressive 20 1/2 pounds.
A magnificent brass barreled blunderbuss with some fantastic research and display potential, ready to add to your collection!
Specifications:
Year of Manufacture: circa 1830
Caliber: Blunderbuss Swamped Barrel about 2" at Muzzle.
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 24 inches
Overall Length: 40 1/4 inches
Action: Flintlock Side Action
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded
NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.
- This product is available for international shipping.
IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.
These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.
Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.
- Not eligible for payment with Paypal or Amazon
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
