Need info on this blunderbuss

historybug · August 29, 2009, 02:54 PM

I'm looking for info on this antique blunderbuss and what it might be worth. The only ones I've found with this short stock in relation to the barrel are early 19th century - around the time of the War of 1812.

Can anybody tell me if I'm on the right track for time frame and if not, what this might be? Also some rough idea what it might be worth?

Thanks in advance for your help!

historybug

SDC · August 29, 2009, 04:11 PM

At the very least, we'd need some close-up pictures of any of the proof-marks, stamps, or engraved markings on it to be able to even guess; as it is, the lock and hammer looks very much like it came off a modern reproduction "kit", so it may not even be an actual antique.

RJay · August 29, 2009, 06:28 PM

Also,1812 is a little early for the percussion ignition system. The percussion cap came into use until the 1830's

**Mike Irwin** · August 29, 2009, 08:18 PM

Just off the cuff, I'd say that that has no style attributes from the early 19th century, but a lot from the later 19th century.

Also, the proportions of the buttstock are WAY off.

My best guess I that it's a homemade chop job.

James K · August 29, 2009, 09:31 PM

I am with Mike and SDC. Barring some info from clearer pictures, I would say the gun dates a lot closer to the Iraq War than to the War of 1812. An inexpensive kit gun would be my guess, but it could be home made.

Jim

historybug · August 30, 2009, 02:25 PM

Thanks very much, guys. One of my customers sent me pictures of this thing, and I was having a hard time finding anything remotely like it to compare it to!

historybug

August 29, 2009, 04:11 PM	#2
SDC Senior Member Join Date: January 23, 2001 Location: People's Republic of Kanada Posts: 1,652	At the very least, we'd need some close-up pictures of any of the proof-marks, stamps, or engraved markings on it to be able to even guess; as it is, the lock and hammer looks very much like it came off a modern reproduction "kit", so it may not even be an actual antique. __________________ Gun control in Canada: making the streets safer for rapists, muggers, and other violent criminals since 1936.

August 29, 2009, 06:28 PM	#3
RJay Senior Member Join Date: November 2, 2005 Location: Arizona Posts: 1,936	Also,1812 is a little early for the percussion ignition system. The percussion cap came into use until the 1830's Last edited by RJay; August 30, 2009 at 08:13 PM.

August 29, 2009, 08:18 PM	#4
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,381	Just off the cuff, I'd say that that has no style attributes from the early 19th century, but a lot from the later 19th century. Also, the proportions of the buttstock are WAY off. My best guess I that it's a homemade chop job. __________________ "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind" -Theodorus Gaza Baby Jesus cries when the fat redneck doesn't have military-grade firepower.

August 30, 2009, 02:25 PM	#6
historybug Junior Member Join Date: June 27, 2009 Location: Bella Vista, AR Posts: 4	Thanks for help on the flintlock Thanks very much, guys. One of my customers sent me pictures of this thing, and I was having a hard time finding anything remotely like it to compare it to! historybug

August 29, 2009, 09:31 PM	#5
James K Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 24,383	I am with Mike and SDC. Barring some info from clearer pictures, I would say the gun dates a lot closer to the Iraq War than to the War of 1812. An inexpensive kit gun would be my guess, but it could be home made. Jim