A RARE Revolutionary War period brass barreled blunderbuss by John Steele of London circa 1770 - 1780 inscribed "HAPPY IS HE WHO ESCAPETH ME"

Signed by Steele on both the barrel and the lock plate. The large flared (1 3/4" diameter) muzzle is inscribed "HAPPY IS HE WHO ESCAPETH ME." The overall length of this elegant blunderbuss is 30 1/2". The walnut stock has its' original finish and comes complete with its' original horn tipped ramrod with screw base. The 16" brass barrel has three British proof/inspectors marks and transitions from octagonal to round. Most of the mounts are engraved including the cock, brass butt plate, tang, brass escutcheon with acorn finial, brass sideplate and brass trigger guard with Tudor rose motif. Condition: Overall in very good to fine condition with some minor age cracks. Mechanically sound.