Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. This is a lovely early 19th century British Iron Barreled Naval Blunderbuss Swivel gun, marked around the top of the barrel with a somewhat faint No 2 WOODFORD. Research indicates that there were three such British merchant vessels that sailed under the EIC, and we believe that this is the last one, originally built by G. Hillhouse, Sons & Co. of Bristol, and launched 22 October 1819.
This ship had a somewhat short career working for the EIC, making just one voyage as an "extra ship" from The Downs to Madras, with the round trip lasting 12 April 1820 to 4 February 1821. Woodford then made two convict transport voyages in Australis, moving men from Hobart Town to Van Diemen's Land, today known as the island of Tasmania. During the first voyage in 1826, she also transported part of the 3rd Regiment of Foot under Lieutenant Colonel C. Cameron. After her second convict transport voyage, she left with a cargo of oil for Batavia, the capital of the Dutch East Indies.
Her next recorded voyage was unfortunately not successful, as Woodford ran into a storm which ended up swamping the ship on 13 February 1829, overwhelming the pumps. Thankfully, the crew and passengers were able to get out of Woodford before she foundered on 14 February 1829, and were later rescued by the vessel Scipio, so all survived. For more detailed information please see this lovely article on Wikipedia: Woodford (1819 ship).
This lovely blunderbuss was acquired at some point during her long service, probably during the first convict voyage, though also possibly when she was working for the EIC. It definitely would make more sense for a convict transport to Australia to have a swivel gun. 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.
There is no maker marked on the barrel or the lock, which does have a "Queen's Crown" and WARRANTED across the lock plate tail. This indicates 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 fully functional, with a strong main spring, and holds correctly at half cock, firing at full.
The barrel is 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 15 marking between the proofs, indicating that the cylindrical portion of the barrel is in "15 bore", or approximately 0.677", which looks to be accurate.
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 stock has a lovely iron swivel yoke fitted to it, which is definitely sturdy, and even has a chained cross pin for the bottom, though the chain is not quite long enough, so it was probably originally fastened farther down on the yoke, and not around the cross pin. There is a nice ramrod under the barrel, which looks to be original. Together with the yoke the gun weighs and impressive 15 pounds.
A lovely iron barreled blunderbuss with some fantastic research and display potential, ready to add to your collection!
Specifications:
Year of Manufacture: circa 1820
Caliber: Blunderbuss Swamped Barrel about 2 1/4" 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.
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