Blunderbuss with Cork Mail markings

[CutlassCollector]

As Jim has already mentioned blunderbusses were widely used at sea in many sizes. From swivel mounted for the ships rails and small boats to hand held for boarding parties.

A 1797 list of equipment requisitioned for the first three US frigates - United States, Constellation and Constitution with around 40 guns each - included 44 blunderbusses. Approx 1 for every 3 guns but by 1822 the navy allowance was recorded as 1 to every 10 guns.

Similar to coaches the ease and speed of loading on a moving platform or small boat must have been a major advantage. Although it is said that a trained shooter could discharge 3 musket rounds a minute from a standing position, the rate of fire was lessened for kneeling or sitting.

This drawing of a Pyrotechnic Blunderbuss is from 'Boarders Away' and was apparently widely used by the Dutch. The dart was set alight before firing and the chains and barbs were designed to catch in the sails to set them on fire.

CC