This short-barreled, large bore flintlock
gun was known as a “blunderbuss” from the
old Dutch words doner (thunder) and bus (gun). Its distinctive,
widely flared muzzle was designed to scatter shot at close
range, making it popular as a weapon for boarding parties
and personal defense. The blunderbuss, perhaps best known
as the weapon of choice of buccaneers and pirates, was
also adapted for use as a standard issue British Sea Service
weapon (1790-1815).
One of the most dealy weapons
ever made, the Blunderbuss was able to fire just about
anything that would fit in it's barrel. Pirates would
use them to spray nails, shards of glass and sometimes
small rocks as they boarded a ship. These guns were usually
small and cleared the decks in a hurry. This muzzle loading
'thunder gun' was like a shotgun with the firepower of
a one-person cannon.
Circa 18th Century. A great highway/boarding piece. Simulated hand carved wood stock. Length: 19". Weight 3 lbs. This is not
a firing gun. It is a decorator model which cannot be
made to fire real ammunition.
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