Bayonet Blunderbuss Pistol by Twigg

A large, brass barrelled, blunderbuss, box lock, coat pistol with under spring bayonet. Made around 1780 by the renowned London gunmaker John F Twigg this pistol is in an excellent ‘as found’ condition.
Twigg operated as a gunmaker from 1732 till 1789 and also as a contractor to the East India Company from 1772 to 1789.
The octagonal to round barrel measures 7 ½ inches with a muzzle flare of ¾ inches. The whole arm measures almost 13 inches and just over 15 inches with the bayonet deployed.
The bayonet is attached under the barrel and the ivory tipped rammer is fitted to the left side of the barrel.
The lock is engraved in cursive style ‘Twigg’ and ‘London’.
The action is in good working order and the bayonet, operated by sliding the trigger guard, deploys but does not snap into place without some help.
All the brass and iron parts are in a very good and sharp condition with minimal corrosion or wear.
The checkering on the grip is in good condition and a vacant silver echelon is present. There is some light cracking visible on the right side. The hallmarks on the sterling silver butt cap are worn and hard to read.
Please note that the presence of ivory on the rammer will complicate any overseas shipment.
Sold as a collector item only.
Because of the value of this item special shipping arrangements may have to be made. Lay buy available.