
Unlike the rifle, pistols seemed to be
a pirate's best friend. In most pictures of pirates, it
is clear that a number of pistols were carried by each
pirate. In most pictures of BlackBeard, at least a half
dozen pistols, assumed loaded and ready, can be seen in
his sash.
The pistol of the day was a
flintlock mechanism exactly like the rifles, and a single
shot was also loaded via the barrel.
The distinctive, widely flared
muzzle of the blunderbuss was designed to scatter shot
at close range, making it popular as a weapon for boarding
parties and personal defense. The butt had a rounded and
sometimes metal base (known as a skull crusher butt cap)
so the pistol could be used as a club once fired. Issued
either singularly or in pairs, the sea pistol had an effective
range of only 3 or 4 yards. It would be fired and then
thrown away to hopefully be retrieved after the fight.
Circa 1800's distinctive blunderbuss
pistol features heavily decorative engraved barrel, loick,
and pirate's head butt cap. Available in antique gray
and brass finishes. Measuring 15" in overall length
with a weight of 1.5 lbs.
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