{"product_id":"original-british-brass-barrel-flintlock-blunderbuss-by-james-spencer-c-1690-named-to-owner","title":"Original British Brass Barrel Flintlock Blunderbuss by James Spencer c.1690 - Named to Owner","description":"\u003cp\u003e Original Item: One Only. This wonderful example of the British-style blunderbuss was made by JAMES SPENCER of LONDON, who worked from 1689 until 1698.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA very early flintlock blunderbuss with the early features of the tang screw rising from the trigger guard and the pan without the frizzen supporting arm. All brass furniture including scroll side plate, nailed on folded brass butt plate, brass trigger guard, escutcheon and ramrod pipe. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe 13 1\/2\" gently swamped brass barrel bearing London Proof Marks and the Maker's stamp of \u003cstrong\u003eJ.S.\u003c\/strong\u003e The full name of : \u003cstrong\u003eJA. SPENCER\u003c\/strong\u003e in engraved in scroll work along the top of the barrel. Also signed \"SPENCER\" on the iron lock plate amid extensive \"strawberry leaf\" engraving.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eComplete with brass button tipped ramrod, which is probably a contemporary replacement. There is some evidence of old wood repair at lower stock toe at butt plate. Overall length is approximately 27 inches. On the whole in very nice shape for 330 years of age.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe brass Escutcheon on the upper side of the wrist is somewhat worn but, however the engraving can still be read:- \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eT.W.\u003c\/strong\u003e surrounded by \u003cstrong\u003eWOLLATON HALL\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWOLLATON HALL was one of England's large ELIZABETHAN estates, construction started in 1580 for the owner, SIR FRANCIS WILLOUGHBY (1547-1596). The mansion was completed in 1588. It has stayed in the Willoughby family until it was given to The City of Nottingham by the last survivor in 1925,\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eLORD MICHAEL WILLOUGHBY, 11TH BARON MIDDLETON.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eResearch has shown that the initials \u003cstrong\u003eT.W.\u003c\/strong\u003e belong to :-\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLORD THOMAS WILLOUGHBY, 1st BARON MIDDLETON (1672 - 1729).\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHe was the great grandson of the original SIR FRANCIS WILLOUGHBY, who died in 1596.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFor more information on maker James Spencer, maker see DER NEUE STOEKEL Volume 2 page 1204.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFor the History of WOOLATON HALL see the great article on Wikipedia.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA great early blunderbuss in a very presentable condition with a terrific provenance, ready to display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":5889335066662,"sku":"ON9779","price":4495.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/products\/ON9779__01.jpg?v=1604613806","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-british-brass-barrel-flintlock-blunderbuss-by-james-spencer-c-1690-named-to-owner","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}