Antique 19th Century American Blunderbuss Flintlock Musket, War of 1812
SOLD FOR: $1,410
WOA#: 24027LG017
Make: American
Model: Blunderbuss
Serial#: NSN
Year of Manufacture: 1800’s Antique
Caliber: .8 gauge
Action Type: Flintlock Muzzleloader Musket
Markings: The side plate is marked, “TOWER” and has the “Crown over GR” Stamp. Also we see the “British Broad Arrow on the Lock plate letting us know that this item was originally on a Brown Bess. There is the word “SPIKE HORN” lightly marked on the left comb of the stock.
Barrel Length: 32” Trumpet Shaped
Sights/ Optics: There is no provision for iron sights.
Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The stock is American Walnut with a slot in the bottom of the barrel for the Yoke to lock in. There is no ramrod, because this gun would have been crew served. The brass side-plate, steel lock-plate, trigger guard and brass buttplate are all a little out of place due to wood shrinkage over the last 2 centuries. The stock has minor age cracks. Overall, the stock is in Fine condition for an Antique. The stock has a split beginning near the front lock screw. The lock plate near the trigger guard has a chunk missing.
Type of Finish: Walnut, Brass, Patina, Steel
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is dark with scattered Patina and erosion.
Overall Condition: The markings are clear. The bore shows evidence of exposure to seawater water. The screwheads have light tool-marks and remain serviceable. There is some good patina showing under the trigger guard where the metal meets the stock in some places. Overall, the blunderbuss is in good condition for an Antique.
Mechanics: The half-cock safety does not engage. This is common on a crew served weapon. The action functions correctly. We have not fired this musket . As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box Paperwork and Accessories: There is no ramrod because this gun is a swivel gun and was used and mounted on a ship.
Our Assessment: American Made Blunderbuss with a Brown Bess Lock- Everything else is American made. This gun was a swivel gun mounted and used aboard a privateer ship during the War 0f 1812. The ship was believed to be named “Spike Horn”, the curator of the collection is informed in this arena and we have no reason to doubt research and their findings. These swivel guns were quite common to see mounted on the ship’s edge. Typical bore size on Blunderbuss ran from .70 inch to .90 inches or so, some bigger some smaller; in modern terms 13 gauge to about 6 gauge.This is a truly American antique Flintlock from the Early 19th Century. Tower in London made the lock; they are a staple in the world of flintlocks. The stock is made completely out of that genuine American walnut, this makes this over 200 year old musket all the more rare and wonderful. The flintlock defined an entire century as warfare began revolutionizing its use of black powder. This antique deserves a prized spot in any collection and display. Please look closely at our photos. Good luck and enjoy the auction.-K.F.
