A documented Blunderbuss from the H M S Royal William dated 1698

Documented blunderbusses from Royal Navy ships of this period seldom come onto the market. Most are in museums or in private collections. Offered here is a flintlock 'doglock' blunderbuss made by Thomas Towle, Ordnance Maker to the Royal Navy. The lockplate is engraved 'T. Towle,' dated '98' for 1698, has the crown and cypher of King William III and also the broad arrow stamp. The steel 21 1/2" barrel goes from octagonal to round with a flared muzzle. It is engraved ROYAL WILLIAM. The gun has a three screw lock which ended circa 1715. The original square headed nails abound. The brass butt plate has been nailed on as was the custom. The brass furniture sits on the gun and is not cut in. The gun has a beautiful figured walnut stock with only minor nicks and dents. The ramrod is a later replacement. HISTORICAL NOTE: The 100 gun ship was launched in 1670 and rebuilt in 1692 and renamed the HMS ROYAL WILLIAM. Accompanying the gun is the original "OFFICE OF THE ORDNANCE" handwritten manifest dated January 22, 1701-2, listing the equipment and supplies issued to four of His Majesty's ships, The Royal William (1670), The Victory (1675), The St. Michael (1669) and the St. George (1668). All four ships were fitted out at the Portsmouth Dockyard in early 1702. The manifest shows that 20 blunderbusses were supplied to the Royal William, this being one of them.