Blunderbuss

[TheCollector]

Hello everyone, got another gun that I'm looking for help with any additional information. From what I could find it's a British Blunderbuss, I was able to identify one proof mark (I think). It's E.L.G. over a star. The other stamp looks like a "B" with a crown over it but not sure? Im guessing its between 1811-1853? It's 33" OAL and inside diameter at end of barrel is 2-1/2". Everything works as it should.

 

[AlexanderA]

Those embossed sheet-metal bands look vaguely Balkan or Middle Eastern, as do the decorations on the trigger guard and the bejeweled plug in the stock. The gun may have had an origin in Britain, but it certainly saw service in that other part of the world.

 

[hawg]

ELG over a star is a Belgian proof from before 1893. The bands are probably a homemade repair.

 

[Coyote3855]

I agree with hawg. Definitely a Belgian gun. Liege produced lots of knockoffs of firearms from other countries. The museum were I volunteer has several revolvers marked "British Bulldogs" with Belgian proofs.

 

[4v50 Gary]

It may have begun as a Belgian gun, but at some point it was rebuilt in the Balkans or someplace under Arabic influence.

 

[Steel Horse Rider]

Looking down that barrel I would speculate that the biggest reason for a Blunderluss was to make loading easier?

 

[Pete D.]

Looking down that barrel I would speculate that the biggest reason for a Blunderluss was to make loading easier?

Exactly. BBs saw extensive service on stagecoaches in the borderlands between England and Scotland in the 17th century through the mis 19th. As well, the BB was a practical weapon for use on ships at sea.

 

[AlexanderA]

Looking down that barrel I would speculate that the biggest reason for a Blunderluss was to make loading easier?

Yes. The flared barrel would have a negligible effect on spreading the shot.

 

[rangervoss]

I have one very similar. Although I am guessing, I believe it to be of India make. That would explain the British influence. My guess is that it was made for commercial sale as a functioning decoration.

 

[Duster340]

Can't offer much to the identification. But that is really cool.