A Rare and Historic British Sea Service Flintlock Blunderbuss issued to H M S Royal George circa 1758

This exceptionally rare British sea service blunderbuss was made by the TOWER of London Armories circa 1758 and used onboard the H M S Royal George which sunk at Spithead in 1782 with the loss of nearly 1,000 lives. The blunderbuss has all the standard regulation fittings including a flat lock plate stamped "TOWER" and having a crown over G R along with the Royal Navy broad arrow stamp. The cock is of the flat ringed variety and the frizzen is squared, both standard features on government issued sea service weapons of the 1750-1780 period. The 18" round brass barrel ends in cannon form with a 1 1/2" diameter flared muzzle. The barrel also has the standard proof marks. The walnut stock has its' original finish and is in very good condition with only minor wear. The brass wrap over butt plate is secured by the original squared nails. The overall length of the blunderbuss is 34". As is fairly common, the ramrod is a later replacement. A rare opportunity to own a piece of British naval history. The only other British ship with greater significance is Nelson's H M S Victory.