A Rare French & Indian War - Revolutionary War Period British Royal Navy Steel Barrel Flintlock Ship's Swivel Blunderbuss (Espingole), by, EDGE and Dated 1757

A Rare French & Indian War - Revolutionary War Period British Royal Navy Steel Barrel Flintlock Ship's Swivel Blunderbuss (Espingole), by, EDGE and Dated 1757.  23.25" octagon to round flaring blunderbuss barrel (replaced during the period of use most likely by American Colonial Forces and fits very well).  All brass Royal Navy Sea Service pattern furniture.  The firing mechanism is marked on the tail of the lock plate "EDGE" and dated "1757", a large engraved "CROWN" over "GR" (King George II), and a small "CROWN" over the "BROAD ARROW" (Government ownership mark).  The blunderbuss is in its original flintlock configuration.  The stock has period restorations on the upper edge of the left and right side of the muzzle and at the toe of the butt.  There is evidence of woodworm holes scattered throughout otherwise, solid with normal period scratches and dings from years of service.  The wrought iron post and yoke is not original to this gun but works perfectly.  Wood ram rod with brass tip.  39.5" overall length.   The arsenal display stand is newly made of wood with copper plates modeled after the originals in museums.  A fantastic looking ship's blunderbuss in good mechanical working order.

NOTE: It is our opinion the barrel was replaced during the period of use most likely by American Colonial Forces to keep the weapon in service).  The firing mechanism is a 1st. Model 1756 Pattern Long Land Pattern Brown Bess lock.  The arsenal display stand is newly made of wood with copper plates modeled after the originals in museums.

Ref: See; GUNMAKERS OF LONDON 1350-1850. by. Howard L. Blackmore. c. 1986, p. 59

also see; BOARDERS AWAY II Firearms of the Age of Fighting Sail. by, William Gilkerson. c.1993, pp. 97-119

BATTLE WEAPONS of the American Revolution. by, George C. Neumann. c. 1998, pp. 14, 191

TTI-557221