Original Item: Only One Available. This is an original early 19th century flintlock blunderbuss pistol of Ottoman style, dating to approximately 1820. Sometimes described as a hand blunderbuss, it follows the form of a full sized blunderbuss scaled for one handed use, with a fully stocked configuration, pistol grip style wrist, butt stock, and iron buttplate. It measures approximately 21" overall and has a 12 1/2" flared barrel terminating in a dramatic 1 3/4" wide muzzle.

This is an antique black powder firearm manufactured before 1899. Under federal law, it may generally be owned within the United States without a special license or permit and does not require transfer through a Federal Firearms Licensee. However, state and local laws may vary. This firearm is sold solely as a historical collector’s item and has not been test fired or inspected for firing safety by a professional gunsmith. Any mechanical or bore observations provided below describe only its present condition and should not be interpreted as confirmation that the firearm is safe to load or fire. The purchaser is solely responsible for complying with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

The iron blunderbuss barrel measures approximately 12 1/2" and expands to a muzzle approximately 1 3/4" across. The pronounced flare gives the pistol its characteristic blunderbuss profile. Decorative engraving is present on the upper barrel and is especially well executed on the barrel tang.

The iron furniture has developed an attractive aged patina. Additional engraved decoration is present on the underside of the trigger guard and on the lock side plate, giving the pistol a more finished appearance than a purely utilitarian arm.

The lock is of British style, fitted with a reinforced pan bridle and swan neck cock. Areas of foliate engraving remain visible. Near the lower portion of the lock is a marking resembling a maker name or signature, but the characters cannot presently be identified with confidence and may be decorative rather than a genuine maker inscription.

The lock currently functions mechanically, holding at half cock and releasing from full cock. These observations describe only its present mechanical condition and should not be interpreted as confirmation that the pistol is safe to load or fire.

A ramrod is present beneath the barrel, though it appears crudely hand fabricated and is unusually narrow for the bore. It is therefore likely a later replacement or display addition rather than the original functional ramrod.

The metalwork overall shows a peppered bright gray patina with evidence of older staining and cleaning. The finish is consistent with considerable age and handling while still retaining the engraved details well.

The full length wooden stock remains in very good overall condition with attractive grain and an aged surface. There are scratches and handling marks along the fore stock, an area of wood loss at the lower toe of the butt, and several cracks through the butt stock. These condition issues appear stable from visual inspection but are fully disclosed.

Overall, this is an attractive early 19th century flintlock blunderbuss pistol with dramatic flared barrel, full stock, engraved iron furniture, and British style lockwork. The unidentified lock marking, likely replacement ramrod, stock cracks, toe loss, scattered scratches, and aged metal surface are all fully disclosed. It would fit especially well in an early 19th century flintlock, Ottoman or Balkan arms, blunderbuss, maritime arms, or antique pistol collection.

Specifications:

Years of Manufacture: circa 1820
Barrel Length: 12 1/2"
Bore Diameter: Blunderbuss Swamped Barrel - 1 3/4" at muzzle
Ammunition Type: Lead Shot & Powder
Overall Length: 21 Inches
Action: Miquelet Lock
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded
Federal Classification: Pre-1899 Antique

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.