Original Item. One of a Kind. This is a Classic example of a 19th Century Ottoman Blunderbuss! Dating to around 1820, the "Hand" blunderbuss mimics the shape of a full sized blunderbuss of the period but is scaled down for use with one hand. It is full stocked with a "pistol grip" style wrist and butt stock with a butt plate. The stock has has a hole made through the stock just past the wrist, possibly for a lanyard or hand thong. It also has a wonderful 6 1/2" long belt hook, very commonly seen on navy arms so they can be held onto any type of belt.

The blunderbuss barrel is 11 3/4" long terminating in a 1 3/4" wide mouth to the front, which has quite a dramatic flare at the end. There is some lovely engraving on the top of the barrel, especially on the barrel tang, which shows a high level of artistry. The weapon is 20" in overall length, and all of the fittings are lovely patinated brass, giving it a great look!

The blunderbuss pistol was made with a British lock, either captured or purchased through trade, which is marked clearly with KETLAND, for the very well known British maker. This family business was started in 1740 by William Ketland, who is recorded as working from 1740-1804, eventually expanding to have operations in both Birmingham and London as W. Ketland & Co.. Following his death in 1804 the name was shortened to Ketland & Co., and it operated for decades under this name before finally folding in 1831. However it lasted over almost 100 years transacted a tremendous amount of business both domestically and abroad.

Overall condition is very nice, with a lovely patina of age. We checked the lock, and functions correctly, holding at half cock and firing at full. There is a ramrod under the barrel, but it is most likely only for show, as it is definitely not wide enough to really be any use.

This is a real peach of its type, and definitely not a later tourist item. Often associated with the Barbary Pirates, it makes an awesome display piece.

Specifications:

Years of Manufacture: circa 1820
Barrel Length: 11 3/4"
Bore Diameter: Blunderbuss Swamped Barrel - 1 3/4" at muzzle
Ammunition Type: Lead Shot & Powder
Overall Length: 20 Inches
Action: Miquelet Lock
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. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.

IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.

These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.

Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.