What is the earliest contemporary description or illustration of a blunderbuss

[Matchlock]

Originally Posted by dana_w

Thanks Miqueleter! That may well turn out to be the “earliest contemporary description or illustration of a blunderbuss like weapon in England”. Is there any more information in the book about who made the blunderbuss, who owns it, or which museum it is in?

From the photo it looks like the blunderbuss has a doglock, so I did a few searches using the terms “blunderbuss”, “doglock” and “1650”. Here is what I found at Andrew Bottomley’s website. It was listed as sold.

A Very Rare early Flintlock Dog-Lock Blunderbuss with a brass barrel, manufactured by "TAYLOR" (probably Godfrey Taylor of London). Brass butt-plate, steel trigger guard, side nails and steel saddle bar. Godfrey Taylor worked in London Circa 1678-1701. Overall length 33 inches. The lock plate engraved with floral motifs and the name "Taylor". The heavy brass barrel struck at the breech with 3 proof marks, the first one is clearly "GT". Very good and completely "Untouched" condition. This is the first time that this item has been offered for sale since 1951. Ref 6901.

Hi Dana,


I have been aware of a British tendency to date their weapons way too early, including the people of the Royal Armouries Leeds. They often graciously overlook a later restocking!

Whilst the lock and barrel of this blunderbuss can safely be dated to the 1660's, the straight underline of the buttstock, with no trace of the former belly butt left (cf. the 1650's sample from your post #14 ), strongly indicates a timeline of of restocking of ca. 1680-90.
So this actually is a 1680's blunderbuss reusing an older barrel and lock!


Best,
Michael