BY THOMAS PARSONS, SALISBURY, CIRCA 1820

Details

A Fine Flintlock Blunderbuss
By Thomas Parsons, Salisbury, circa 1820
With three-stage belled browned twist barrel octagonal at the breech and with two turns at the muzzle, and fitted with spring bayonet above released by an engraved blued sliding catch, engraved case-hardened tang, signed and engraved case-hardened flat bevelled lock with roller, semi-rainproof pan, safety-catch, and stepped tail (cock repaired), finely figured walnut full stock, chequered grip, engraved blued iron mounts, blued trigger-plate with pineapple finial, horn fore-end cap, and original brass-mounted ramrod, in very fine condition throughout with most of its original finish, Birmingham proof marks
30¼in. (76.8cm.)

Special notice

VAT rate of 5% is payable on hammer price plus buyer's premium.

Lot Essay

The late owner's note (of 1937) in the barrel reads: 'This blunderbuss came from Rodden House, Frome and belonged to the late General Porter ... The blunderbuss cost 30/-...'

Thomas Parsons was active in Catherine Street, Salisbury from 1810 to 1843, the year of his death. Colonel Peter Hawker was highly complimentary of Parsons' work- e.g. 'Parsons of Salisbury, stands high as ever in the west of England ...' (Instructions to Young Sportsmen, 6th edition)

See Michael Snell, Salisbury Gunsmiths, pp. 67-88

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