Help ID This Blunderbuss

[Shooty McShootface]

Hi all. I have come into ownership of this old blunderbuss and would like to try restore it to a decent state. It has clearly not been stored well, and there is a something wrong with the trigger mechanism so I will need to open it and look at that. I think there is also a tension spring broken underneath the flash pan. Clearly has been used in a previous life as the inside is encrusted with spent powder.

Firstly, I would like to try identify it as there are no manufacturer signature or stamps that I can discern? Maybe the style helps narrow it down? The length is 77cm, and the inner bore width at the flared end is 33mm.

There are some nice engravings, and what looks like a cracker attempt to put an initial on the barrel at a later date. It is of a different level than the manufactured engraving.

Any thoughts on where it is from or the timeframe? Or how best to go about cleaning it up for display? I presume the barrel is brass?

Many thanks,

David

Any good links on how to begin restoring would be appreciated.

 

[Shooty McShootface]

Some more images.

 

[Shooty McShootface]

Some more images.

 

[rickystl]

Hi Shooty

Based on these photos, I believe this to be a tourist gun (for display only !) from about the 1950's or 60's. Back then, these tourist guns were made better, and more authentic looking (to the untrained eye) than similar items from about the 1970's and later. The frizzen spring is broke, and the lock internals may need some work. Possibly from misuse from youngsters in the past. (Wish I had this to play with as a kid).
Minor repairs and a good cleaning would likely be the only restoration desired. Again, these guns were made for display - not shooting.

Rick

 

[PathfinderNC]

I agree with Rick. It appears like a tourist item.
I would suggest not trying to shoot it. At least until/if you get that barrel checked out. Then, hang it back up on a wall

 

[Shooty McShootface]

Hi guys. Thank you for clarifying. I thought it might have been older rather than a display model as it is quite sturdy contruction and there is a hole from the frisson pan into the barrel. Clearly, someone has fired it as there are plenty of scarpes and residue on the inside. Kids were much more adventurous back then

 

[Sam squanch]

DON’T shoot it!! I had a Belgian brass blunderbuss, nice sparking lock. Went to pull the breech plug- hardly any threads in the breech! With a heavy load I would have been injured or killed.

 

[Shooty McShootface]

DON’T shoot it!! I had a Belgian brass blunderbuss, nice sparking lock. Went to pull the breech plug- hardly any threads in the breech! With a heavy load I would have been injured or killed.

Hi Sam. No intention to do that! Tge trigger lock is not working in any case. It is disappointing it is a display type, but will settle for giving it a polish as best outcome.

 

[Sam squanch]

You still have a neat decorative piece. And if you want to sell it, enough pirates are out there that will buy it for costume use.