An Extremely Fine & Rare late 17th Century English Iron Barrel Flintlock Blunderbuss by James HARRISON

An Extremely Fine & Rare late 17th Century English Iron Barrel Flintlock Blunderbuss by James HARRISON, c. 1680-1695. 18" round flaring muzzle blunderbuss barrel stamped with (2) proofs a "CROWN" over "P" and a "CROWN" over "V" (Proof and View marks) on the left side of breech.  The high quality convex banana shaped lock has a powder pan made without a bridle, simple boarder line engraving and maker "I HARRISON" (James Harrison).  The lock has a flip up safety that engages the bottom of the cock when in the half cock position.  All high quality chiseled iron furniture includes a convex high relief trigger guard, side plate and upper butt plate finial.  The blunderbuss retains the original sling swivels and is in its original flintlock configuration.  The stock has fantastic high relief decorative carving around all major parts including a splendid bulbous section around the lower ram rod pipe and is solid with light scratches and dings from years of handling.  Original flat iron tipped wood ram rod (broken and missing the lower half).  34.25" overall length.  A fantastic looking ship's or coaching blunderbuss in good mechanical working order.

NOTE: Early examples of this type of blunderbuss is extremely hard to find in any condition.  This specimen is exceptional and would be very hard to improve upon.

ABOUT THE MAKER: James HARRISON.  Gunmaker.  Son of Thomas Harrison, gunmaker of Bridlington, Yorkshire.  Apprentice to Robert Silke, turned over to Michael Richardson, made it into the Gunmakers Company., 1678.

Ref. p. 109, GUNMAKERS OF LONDON 1350-1850, by, Howard L. Blackmore., c. 1986.

TTI-568622