antique blunderbuss and flintlock pistol
I don't know, this is the information I am looking for.
Inherited
Yes
Hello, this item is a matched pair consisting of an antique flintlock blunderbuss and an antique flintlock pistol, both of European origin and datable to the late 18th to early 19th century. The blunderbuss features a characteristic flared muzzle, wooden stock, and brass-mounted flintlock mechanism, while the pistol follows the same construction logic on a smaller scale, suggesting they were produced either by the same maker or within the same regional tradition. The lock plates are clearly stamped “W. BRAZIER” and “W. & S. BRAZIER,” names associated with the well-documented London gunmaking family active from the mid-18th century onward. These stamps are known to appear on quality locks supplied to various makers, and their presence firmly places the pieces within the British flintlock production sphere rather than continental or later reproduction work.
The condition is consistent with genuine period firearms, showing oxidation, patina to the brass, surface wear, and handling marks to the wood, all of which support age and authenticity. The blunderbuss barrel and pistol barrel appear structurally intact, though functional firing condition cannot be assumed without professional testing. Antique flintlock arms by or bearing Brazier locks are collectible and valued primarily for historical and decorative appeal rather than mechanical precision. Based on current market comparisons for comparable British flintlock blunderbusses and pistols with named locks, the blunderbuss alone carries an estimated fair market value of USD 1,200 to USD 2,000, while the flintlock pistol is reasonably valued at USD 700 to USD 1,200. As a pair, the combined fair market value is best placed in the range of USD 1,900 to USD 3,000.
Hi Alex, thank you for the follow up questions.
The presence of different names on the lockplates does not mean the firearms were made by different complete makers in the modern sense. In late 18th and early 19th century Britain, gunmaking was a highly specialized, modular trade. Families such as the Braziers were primarily lock makers, supplying finished flintlock mechanisms to many independent gun stockers and barrel makers. An E. North stamp refers to another documented London lock maker or subcontractor active in the same period. It is therefore entirely normal to see different lock names on firearms that otherwise belong to the same regional tradition or were assembled by different workshops using high quality London supplied components. This does not indicate later marriage or replacement, it reflects period manufacturing practice.
Regarding the barrel stamps, the marks visible on the blunderbuss barrel include a LONDON stamp and small proof marks. The LONDON marking is a trade designation rather than a maker’s signature and was widely used on barrels intended for domestic sale or export to signal quality and origin. The small oval and crowned style stamps are London proof marks applied at the Gunmakers’ Company Proof House, indicating the barrel passed inspection for safety at the time of manufacture. These marks confirm British production and period authenticity but do not identify an individual barrel maker. Taken together, the mixed lock names and proof marks are consistent with genuine late 18th to early 19th century British flintlock arms assembled from high quality London components, which aligns with the original appraisal and valuation.
Thank you again for your comment,
Best
Hi David, thank you. I believe I included a picture of the blunderbuss lockplate that has an imprint of E North and i'm wondering if that means that they were made by different people? Also curious if you have knowledge on what the imprinted stamps on the barrels mean?