Original Item. Only One Available. JOHN BLANCH worked at 29 Gracechurch Street in London from 1809 until 1835, when it became JOHN BLANCH & SON from the same address from 1835 until 1865. During this time they made all manner of firearms, often bespoke, such as this one most certainly was.
This blunderbuss has a a "cannon style" barrel of 12 1/2" that holds along the top holds a spring loaded bayonet with a 10" blade. This is held closed by a safety catch on the barrel tang, and when released it swings out. The spring is quite strong, and it propels the bayonet forward with such vigor that it bounces back before it can latch most of the time, though it still is most impressive. A small button latch on the right side releases the bayonet, which can then be returned to the stowed position.
It has all brass mounts and walnut stock which is heavily checkered at the wrist. The stock is in good shape, though there is a crack on the left side through the rear lock screw escutcheon. The lock bears a sliding safety catch and is signed by the maker BLANCH, and the Brass Barrel itself bears several proof marks, which look to be the Birmingham definitive Black Powder and Viewed proofs, showing that this gun was made after 1813, when the proof house opened. It was not unusual for London Gunsmiths to acquire parts from other locations, as they may not have had easy access to their own foundry.
Measuring 28" in overall length the overall condition is really very good and the weapon is in operating condition dating to circa 1815. The lock holds at half cock, firing at full, though the safety may need adjustment.
Just what the Gentleman of the period kept under his bed or in his coach, ready to display!
Specifications:
Year of Manufacture: c.1815
Caliber: Blunderbuss
Ammunition Type: Lead Shot & Powder
Barrel Length: 12 1/2 inches
Overall Length: 28 inches
Action: Flintlock Side Action
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded
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