AmericanLongRifles Forums

General discussion => Antique Gun Collecting => Topic started by: MuskratMike on March 18, 2023, 08:19:55 PM

Title: Italian 18th century blunderbuss
Post by: MuskratMike on March 18, 2023, 08:19:55 PM
On the booth next to mine at last weeks Cascade Mountain Man fair in Enumclaw, Washington sat this fine blunderbuss. It has a stock of fine burl walnut with gold and silver wire inlays accompanied by tasteful horn and bone inlays. It has a unique oval steel barrel with a sling attachment and belt hook. Most uncommon is this blunderbuss sports a folding stock that allows it to be worn on a chest strap under a cloak. It is from the early part of the 18th century about 1720-1730 and was made in Italy.
(https://i.ibb.co/XxZvSBr/Blunderbuss-1.jpg) (https://ibb.co/r2G14PR)

(https://i.ibb.co/PFdNHRV/Blunderbuss-2.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Gnq0SXr)

(https://i.ibb.co/kDf75Zh/Blunderbuss-3.jpg) (https://ibb.co/DMyJzd7)

(https://i.ibb.co/n8vgsxT/Blunderbuss-4.jpg) (https://ibb.co/fG51Yjb)

(https://i.ibb.co/TKpSnYY/Blunderbuss-5.jpg) (https://ibb.co/VHrZhJJ)

(https://i.ibb.co/SNV5QMF/Blunderbuss-6.jpg) (https://ibb.co/7vrjgZs)

(https://i.ibb.co/85qnS0Q/blunderbuss-7.jpg) (https://ibb.co/mqkrMGP)
Title: Re: Italian 18th century blunderbuss
Post by: Daryl on March 18, 2023, 10:01:36 PM
Wow- fancy piece of equipment, folding stock and all. That picture of the muzzle in someone's had,
 surely show the optical illusion of a radically enlarged muzzle, compared to the side "shots".
Title: Re: Italian 18th century blunderbuss
Post by: Niall on March 18, 2023, 10:55:58 PM
Quote from: Daryl on March 18, 2023, 10:01:36 PM
Wow- fancy piece of equipment, folding stock and all. That picture of the muzzle in someone's had,
 surely show the optical illusion of a radically enlarged muzzle, compared to the side "shots".

Consider that it's an oval barrel,that probably explains the 'illusion'
Title: Re: Italian 18th century blunderbuss
Post by: MuskratMike on March 18, 2023, 11:58:47 PM
Yes the barrel is a true oval.
Title: Re: Italian 18th century blunderbuss
Post by: PhDBrewer on March 19, 2023, 01:15:06 AM
Yes, oval. About 5.5 cm wide.

William

(https://i.ibb.co/1fpBpY5/20230318-151043.jpg) (https://ibb.co/VWhbh0Z)

(https://i.ibb.co/NCQRHDS/20230318-151008.jpg) (https://ibb.co/3dGKL6z)
Title: Re: Italian 18th century blunderbuss
Post by: Daryl on March 19, 2023, 02:50:48 AM
Quote from: Niall on March 18, 2023, 10:55:58 PM
Quote from: Daryl on March 18, 2023, 10:01:36 PM
Wow- fancy piece of equipment, folding stock and all. That picture of the muzzle in someone's had,
 surely show the optical illusion of a radically enlarged muzzle, compared to the side "shots".

Consider that it's an oval barrel,that probably explains the 'illusion'

Yes, of course. LOL- I missed that - must have been before I had my second cup of coffee this morning.
So obvious, now.
Title: Re: Italian 18th century blunderbuss
Post by: MuskratMike on March 20, 2023, 05:17:51 PM
One super cool gun!
Title: Re: Italian 18th century blunderbuss
Post by: Robby on March 20, 2023, 05:47:56 PM
Did they call it a spazzino?
Robby
Title: Re: Italian 18th century blunderbuss
Post by: Seth Isaacson on March 20, 2023, 07:53:37 PM
This is definitely a nice one. I like how with this style of muzzle you can still sight along the top of the barrel since the top of the muzzle is usually parallel or close to parallel with the breech. These were apparently nicknamed “Lumpara” or "wolf killer" by the Sicilians.
Title: Re: Italian 18th century blunderbuss
Post by: bigsmoke on March 20, 2023, 08:03:43 PM
Mike, Was that a display piece or was it for sale?  If for sale, what was the price?
Thinking about that oval muzzle, I am guessing if rounded it would be maybe a 10 gauge?
Regardless, it is a fine piece, and thank you for posting it.
John (Bigsmoke)
Title: Re: Italian 18th century blunderbuss
Post by: MuskratMike on March 20, 2023, 08:05:47 PM
Bigsmoke: for more information message PhDBrewer he is the owner
Title: Re: Italian 18th century blunderbuss
Post by: dadybear1 on March 25, 2023, 04:01:52 PM
WOW---BEAUTIFUL PIECE---