An historically important Brass barreled flintlock blunderbuss owned by Alexander Speirs of Elderslie, Scotland, circa 1755-1760.

This fine and rare blunderbuss was owned by Alexander Speirs (1714-1782) of Elderslie, Renfrewshire, Scotland. The barrel is engraved "GOD BLESS KING GEORGE." The gun was made by William Grice of London who was principally a brass barreled blunderbuss maker from 1740-1780. This particular gun was made circa 1755-1760. It has a 15" two-stage brass barrel going from octagonal to round with a flared muzzle. The overall length of the gun is 30 1/4". The brass butt plate, trigger guard, side plate and ramrod ferrule are all engraved. 'GRICE' is engraved on the lockplate in front of the cock. A brass oval escutcheon plate is on the top of the wrist and is engraved as follows: "Alexander Speirs of Elderslie". Condition: The guns shows an old refinish to the walnut stock. The forestock was cracked on both sides and expertly repaired. This is also a small 1" patch near the tip of the forestock around one of the securing pins. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND: Sir William Wallace is known in history as the Knight of Elderslie. The Wallaces were vassals of the High Stewards of Scotland. Renfrew today is known as "The Cradle of the Stewarts." When Bonnie Prince Charlie's army began their march south in 1745, they went through Elderslie. The estate which Alexander Speirs purchased in 1769 came from the Wallaces. He even had a plaque erected by the Church altar which stated that he had 'bought the lands of Elderslie from a descendant of William Wallace. However, he must have been concerned for his safety and loyalty to the Crown because he had his blunderbuss engraved "God Bless King George."