This rail blunderbuss is one of the nicest examples we have seen. The gun bears two crossed sceptre and crown proof marks on the barrel, with one having the letters BPC under the sceptres and the other with a letter V. There's a number 12 between them. These are Birmingham proof marks used after 1813. The lockplate also bears an engraved crown for the Tower of London and is marked "Warrented".
Thomas and John Blissett were brothers, both in the gun business with John on Water Lane in London and Thomas on Castle St. in Liverpool. Period labels state that their business was founded in 1831.
The blunderbuss is in good condition with clear marks for its age. The lock plate is approximately 6 3/4 inches in length and the bore is 2 inches.
Weapons like this were issued to a naval vessels and installed to hold a prominent guard position on the rail, either along the main deck or possibly even stationed overhead on a fighting platform. The firearm is secured on an original iron yoke.
