Original British 1743 Georgian Royal Navy Brass Barreled Flintlock Blunderbuss by Jordan of London

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very attractive example of an early British brass-barreled flintlock blunderbuss of the type used aboard Royal Navy vessels during the 18th century. The tail of the lock is maker marked IORDAN / 1743, indicating manufacture in 1743 by the London gunmaker Jordan. The use of an “I” in place of a “J” is consistent with period spelling and engraving conventions. Jordan worked in London from approximately 1733 to 1760 and is known to have produced naval-type blunderbusses during this period. The blunderbuss features brass furniture throughout, including a fold-over sheet-brass butt plate secured by three large flt headed screws, a brass trigger guard, and a flat brass military-style side plate retained by two screws. The barrel is secured by a tang screw positioned forward of the trigger. The frizzen lacks the later pan-support bridle found on many subsequent flintlock designs. These construction details are characteristic of an early 18th-century arm. The lock bears the royal cypher CROWN / GR, representing King George II, who reigned from 1727 until 1760. Beneath the pan is a CROWNED BROAD ARROW government viewer’s marking. Together with the dated maker’s inscription, these markings are consistent with a British government-inspected arm of the Georgian period. The brass barrel bears London proof and inspection marks, including the CROWN / GP Gunmakers’ Company black-powder proof and the CROWN / V viewing mark. The top of the barrel is engraved LONDON. Its dramatically flared muzzle has a bore measuring approximately 1 inch across and is characteristic of the blunderbuss form, which was particularly suitable for close-range defensive use aboard ships and in other confined environments. The walnut stock displays attractive grain and a warm honey-brown color. It shows the expected scattered dents and minor scratches associated with age and handling, but there are no evident cracks, major chips, or previous repairs. The brass furniture has developed an appealing aged patina that complements the stock. The flintlock mechanism remains functional, with a strong action that holds correctly at half cock and releases at full cock. Overall, this is a particularly desirable early Georgian blunderbuss with government markings, London proofs, an engraved barrel, and a clearly dated maker-marked lock. Specifications: Year of Manufacture: 1743 Maker: Jordan of London Type: Naval-Type Blunderbuss Muzzle Bore Diameter: Approximately 1 inch Ammunition Type: Lead Shot and Black Powder Barrel Length: 15 inches Overall Length: 30 1/2 inches Action: Flintlock Loading System: Muzzle-Loaded NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.