Blunderbuss

Object Name:

Blunderbuss

Object ID:

1975.532

Place of Origin:

Canton, MA

Date:

1818

Description:

Naval blunderbuss, made in Canton, MA, under U.S. contract. Smoothbore, muzzle-loading flintlock with octagonal-round barrel, ending in a flared muzzle. Weapon is a military blunderbuss, commonly known as an "American wall or rampart gun" for the reason that mounted to it is an iron swivel (located midway down the barrel, underside), for use on ship's rails or ramparts. The barrel (11.4" in length) is octagonal from the breech to ornamental rings 10" above; the barrel, now round in shape, flares out toward a large-bored muzzle (diameter on outside of 2.75"), where the typically American double incised ring is located. The barrel is pin-fastened to stock. Iron ramrod is intact. All iron parts are browned, including iron swivel, lock, barrel, and ramrod. Brass furniture includes trigger guard, flat butt plate with 2" butt tang, flat S-shaped side plate, one forward funnel-shaped ramrod pipe, and two curved brass plated on either side of the swivel, serving to reinforce pin-fastenings. No escutcheon or tail pipe is present, nor are gunsights. "US" is stamped at breech-end of barrel. At rear of cock on lockplate, "Canton, 1818" is engraved.

Material:

Wood
Metal

Dimensions:

L-38.6 inches

Credit Line:

New Hampshire Historical Society Collection

Subjects:

Muskets