English Blunderbus

English Blunderbus

This English Blunderbuss includes a walnut stock patterned after the standard Land Service Musket carried by English land forces. The stock mounts a flared brass “cannon” barrel measuring 17 inches in length and flares to 3.5 cm (1.4 inches) diameter at the muzzle. The barrel is pinned to the stock by small iron pins running under the barrel. The barrel is stamped “London” in bold block lettering on top and includes three English proof marks on the reverse side of the barrel. The brass furniture on this English blunderbuss also follows the English land service styling. This furniture includes the brass trigger-guard, butt plate, rear side plate and thimbles for retaining the wood rammer. The weapon's lock plate is stamped, “COLLUMBELL” below the land-pattern style gooseneck cock. The wood rammer with brass tip is possibly not original to the weapon.

Caliber: 1 3/8" bore
Weight: 6.0 lbs
Length: 30 5/8"
Barrel: 15 1/2"

Brown, M.L. Firearms in Colonial America: The Impact on History and Technology 1492-1792. Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Institution Press, 1980.

c. 1740

George C. Neumann Collection, Valley Forge National Historical Park

VAFO 179

Photograph