Original Item: One of a Kind. This lovely British Blunderbuss was made to order about 1770, marked on the lock by KETLAND & CO., with LONDON & PORTSMOUTH engraved on the top of the barrel. This family business started in 1740, eventually expanding to have operations in both Birmingham and London, before finally folding in 1831. However it lasted over almost 100 years transacted a tremendous amount of business both domestically and abroad. Their Birmingham markings were so well known that in 1813 they became the official Birmingham Proof marks.
Thi blunderbuss was probably made around 1770, and the brass barrel and fittings suggest naval use, however we cannot find any naval markings on the gun. Measuring 30 3/4" in overall length with a sturdy 15 1/4" Brass Cannon style barrel, these were originally intended for self defense but soon adopted by all the Coaching lines in England and the Continent as easy to handle and very effective to deter wrong doers. The fittings are lovely, with an open brass side plate with line engraving and a lovely "knot" design, and the trigger guard is lovely as well, showing an "acorn" finial on the front. The brass butt plate is well engraved, and there is also a lovely brass escutcheon on the back of the wrist.
The U.S. Revolution, followed by the terrible French Revolution, and finally the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte put terror into the upper or just better off classes and every private coach and every household armed up to face the mob in the event of this happening in England.
This fine flintlock is in just wonderful condition in all respects and comes complete with ram rod. The left barrel facet is marked with the CROWN / P "proof" and CROWN / V "viewed" markings from the London proofhouse, correct for the period.
The wood stock is solid, and has a great dark brown color. The wrist area is solid, with no repairs or cracks we can see, however the left side of the stock definitely shows some past repairs. There is a cracking running forward from the side plate, and there has been some wood grafted in along the woodline near the muzzle. The hammer action is strong, and the lock holds correctly at half-cock. The blunderbuss still has a original brass wooden ramrod, stored correctly under the barrel.
A sound and most compelling Blunderbuss dating to approximately 1770, made by the legendary Ketland Compnay. In excellent working condition, this would present wonderfully in any collection. Ready to Display!
Specifications:
Year of Manufacture: Circa 1770
Caliber: Blunderbuss
Ammunition Type: Lead Shot & Powder
Barrel Length: 15 1/4 inches
Overall Length: 30 3/4 inches
Action: Flintlock Side Action
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded
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