ANTIQUE WEAPONS CONSULTANT

[Buck Conner1]

ANTIQUE WEAPONS CONSULTANT​

by Buck Conner​

<table align="center" width="587"><tr><td width="268"><div align="center"><table align="center" width="773"><tr><td width="8"></td><td width="751"><div align="left">I have folks ask me what I do now that I retired from being an engineer for the phone company? I do pretty much as I wish (with the wife's permission), I returned to an old sport that I have enjoyed for 50 years, playing with a drag race car, I do living history when time allows and worked in the "Gun Library" at Cableas. ​

All are for most part "fun jobs" and she could live with that, (she keeps the check book). !@#$%^​

A fellow employee from another store emails me: Steve Lentz asks about an old gun, so here's an example.​

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Modern & Antique Weapons Consultant
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* NRA/ * NMLRA Life Member​

Research Services.

From: s[email protected]
Sent: 09/10/2008
To: buck.conner@cabelas.com
Subject: BRASS BARREL FLINTLOCK BLUNDERBUSS W/BAYONET

Buck,

Tell me about this blunderbuss for my customer here in the library.

Thanks Steve...

___________________________​

From: buck.conner@cabelas.com
Sent: 09/13/2008
To: s[email protected]
Reply: Subject: BRASS BARREL FLINTLOCK BLUNDERBUSS W/BAYONET​

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Manufacturer: ENGLISH proof marks and inspector marks - London

· Cal./Gauge: 1.25” bore
· Barrel(s): brass smoothbore – very good condition
· Weight: 4.5 lb
· Trigger(s): iron single trigger
· Stock: English Walnut very good to excellent condition
· Metal Condition: very good to excellent condition
· Bore Condition: very good to excellent condition
· Manufacture Date: London proof marks, 1810 period.

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AN UNTOUCHED ENGLISH BRASS BARREL FLINTLOCK BLUNDERBUSS W/ SNAP-BAYONET, ca. 1810:​

In overall fine untouched condition. London proofed, 14", pin-fastened, round, flared, smoothbore, brass barrel with 1.25 caliber muzzle and its original top-mounted, switchblade-type bayonet. In original flintlock condition with a flat, stepped lock plate and a matching gooseneck hammer. The face of the lock with untouched, gunmetal-gray-black surfaces, some light discoloration and scattered pitting. Retains its original lock components with a strong mainspring and original side bolts. Molded and carved walnut full stock with simple teardrop carvings around the lock and side bolt mortises. Sharp contours, smooth surfaces, 85% of its original finish, some scattered handling marks and an old repair at the fore-end tip. Lightly engraved brass hardware: the trigger-guard with a pineapple type forward final. The butt plate with a lightly engraved stepped finial, en suite with the Trigger-guard. Two baluster ramrod pipes and plain side bolt washers. Untouched smooth surfaces with a dark mustard age patina. In overall fine untouched condition. The barrel with sharp contours and its original, 12 1/2", triangular, hollow-ground, spring-bayonet. In functional order with an untouched dark age-patina and all of its original components: some scattered pitting. The lock with good markings and fine mechanics. Sharp contours, much of its original finish and some scattered handling marks. Untouched mounts with a dark mustard age patina: some light wear to the engraving and minor dents on the rear ramrod pipe. Complete with its original brass tip wooden ramrod. A nice example of a classic English Brass Barrel Blunderbuss with Spring Bayonet. Overall length, 29 1/2"..

Value: $4,350.00 Retail

Yours truly,

Buck Conner

This email is intended for the use of the individual addressee(s) named above and may contain information that is confidential, privileged or unsuitable for overly sensitive persons with low self-esteem, no sense of humor or irrational religious beliefs.

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NRA Grading Guide for Antique Firearms

· Perfect - In new condition in every respect.

· Excellent - New condition, used little, no noticable marring of wood or metal, blueing perfect (except at muzzle or sharp edges.)

· Very Good - In perfect working condition, no appreciable wear on working surfaces, no corrosion or pitting, only minor surface dents or scratches.
· Good - In safe working condition, minor wear on working surfaces, no broken parts, no corrosion or pitting that will interfere with proper functioning.
· Fair - In working condition but well worn, perhaps requiring replacement of minor parts or adjustments, no rust but may have corrosion pits which do not render article unsafe or inoperable.

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Courtesy of NAP Journal 09/10​

Reprinted by the North American Primitives Association. All Rights Reserved, Copyrighted 2000-2010​

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