An Historically Important Flintlock Naval blunderbuss circa 1796-1802 used onboard HMS ELEPHANT, Vice-Admiral Nelson's flagship during the Battle of Copenhagen in 1801.

The Gun: Overall length of 39 3/4" having a 23 3/4" round brass barrel with flared muzzle of 1 1/2." The barrel is engraved H. NOCK--LONDON along with his initials HN flanked by two proof marks. Both the top of the brass butt plate and the brass triggerguard are engraved "QD/6" for Quarter Deck gun rack position 6. The brass side plate is engraved "HMS ELEPHANT." The lockplate is engraved "H NOCK". The gun dates to circa 1796-1802. CONDITION: The gun has seen heavy use. The walnut stock has numerous dents, nicks and scratches but retains its' original finish. The right side of the forestock has a small 1" crack. There is also a small 2 1/2" sliver missing above the back portion of the lockplate. The lockplate and cock both show moderate pitting. The ramrod may be a period replacement. The action is tight and crisp. MAKER: Henry Nock was born in 1741 and died in 1804. Appointed Gunsmith-in-Ordinary to King George III in 1789. Elected Assistant Master of the Gunmakers' Company in 1795 and Master in 1802. He was a Contractor to Ordnance from 1771-1804. HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The 74 gun HMS ELEPHANT was launched in 1786. In 1801 Nelson chose HMS ELEPHANT as his flagship during the Battle of Copenhagen due to its suitability for the shallow waters there. It was on this ship that he is said to have put his telescope to his blind eye and claimed he was not able to see a signal from then Admiral Sir Hyde Parker ordering him to withdraw. Nelson famously disobeyed Parker's orders to withdraw, subsequently destroying and capturing 16 of the enemy's ships (he had only 9 ships in action.) The Battle of Copenhagen is considered to be Nelson's hardest fought battle, surpassing even the heavy fighting at Trafalgar. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to acquire a real piece of British Naval history.