A British Navy brass barreled flintlock blunderbuss by James Farmer dated 1744

James Farmer (1715-1773) was a Contractor to Ordnance. This particular example has a full length highly figured walnut stock. The brass mounts are all typical regulation hardware. The overall length of the gun is 31" incorporating a 15 1/2" round brass barrel with flared muzzle. Condition: There is a 5" diagonal crack running from the top of the frizzen to the ramrod base. In addition, there is a 1/4" by 3" slice of forestock missing. There is also a 1" by 1/4" piece missing at the barrel tang. The walnut stock also has a horseshoe shaped crack wrapping around the shoulder stock. Lastly there are numerous small dents behind the cock next to the barrel tang. Having said all this, the gun is very attractive and the action is crisp.