An Iconic Symbol of Antique Weaponry, and An Exceptionally Fine 18th Century Brass Cannon-Barrel ‘Royal Navy’ Form Blunderbuss by John Rea of London

A very fine example with finest juglans regia walnut stock with exceptional patina, fine brass furniture finely engraved throughout. Acorn finial trigger guard and brass cannon barrel with Tower proofs. This blunderbuss is of the so-called "cannon mouth" pattern. It is typical of the British Naval blunderbuss and dates from circa 1780. This type of weapon fires a multitude of shot about .25 inch in diameter. John Rea is listed as working in London from 1782 to 1793. The Blunderbuss (born of the Dutch word "Donderbus", appropriately meaning "Thunder Pipe" or "Thunder Gun") came to prominence in the early part of the 18th Century (1701-1800) and was more akin to the modern day shotgun than a "long gun" musket or heavy pistol of the time.

As such, she excelled in close-in fighting, be it within the confines of naval warfare where her spread of shot could inflict maximum damage to targets at close ranges. Its manageable size, coupled with its spread shot, ensured some level of accuracy for even the novice user and its appearance was rather intimidating to those unfortunate enough to be staring down the business end.
Even George Washington championed the Blunderbuss

16 inch barrel 31 inches long overall. As with all our antique guns no license is required as they are all unrestricted antique collectables

Code: 20654