Item: ON7731

Original 18th Century British Naval Flintlock Brass Barrel Blunderbuss by William Birkell c.1735

Lifetime Authenticity

Lifetime Authenticity Guarantee

We ensure our artifacts are genuine, giving buyers long-term confidence in value and historical accuracy.

Learn More
Lifetime Authenticity

Have military antiques you want to sell?

We pay top dollar! Click the link below to get started.

Sell your items
  • Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice example of a British brass-barreled Blunderbuss, as used in the Royal Navy of the 18th Century. Maker WILLIAM BIRKELL is marked on the lock, and he worked in LONDON from 1731 until 1743, just twelve years. He was known for making these NAVAL BLUNDERBUSSES, many of which were acquired by the Royal Navy for use on their Men-o-War Battleships.


    This fine example has an early military type flat faced lock plate without any pan re-enforcement bar. It has the earliest form of flat hammer with ring neck cock. The trigger guard, also made of brass, is also of early form and the butt plate is flat and correctly nailed onto the Butt Stock. The brass side plate is similar to those found from the time of Queen Anne (1702 - 1714) and most interestingly the ramrod is of hand forged iron with it's original "cork screw" still in place. The gun's barrel bears London Proof Marks and shows the Maker's Initials of W.B. for William Birkell.

    In really nice tight original condition this is a great example dating from the 1730's. The wood stock has some nice subtle tiger striping, and is solid, with no signs of cracks or breaks. The hammer action is strong, and the lock holds correctly at half-cock.


    Clearly long well treasured, this is ready to display. A worthy addition to any British Naval collection!


    Specifications: 

    Year of Manufacture: c.1735
    Caliber:  Blunderbuss
    Ammunition Type: Lead Shot & Powder
    Barrel Length: 16 inches
    Overall Length: 30 inches
    Action: Flintlock Side Action
    Feed 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.


  • This product is available for international shipping.
  • Not eligible for payment with Paypal or Amazon

We Buy Military Antiques

Our team expert buyers travels the world to pay fair prices for entire estate collections to singular items.

START SELLING TODAY