Ketland Ketland 10 Gauge Blunderbuss Muzzleloader 10 Bore/gauge

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This flintlock blunderbuss bears the respected name of Ketland & Co., the highly successful Birmingham gunmaking firm established around 1760. The business expanded into the export market around 1790 and continued until bankruptcy in 1821, making this a product of their most active period. The brass barrel measures 45cm in the characteristic three-stage configuration with bell mouth, designed for close-range defensive work.

The spring-loaded bayonet represents an innovation that became standard on 18th century coaching blunderbusses, held along the barrel by a catch and springing forward when released. By the late 18th century, it was common for civilian-owned blunderbusses in England to be equipped with such bayonets, some even configured to deploy after firing as secondary protection. The wrist oval and original brass-tipped ramrod confirm authentic period construction.

The blunderbuss had become the common defensive weapon carried by coachmen in England for protection against highwaymen, with wealthy travellers often carrying them when journeying through the countryside. They were also popular aboard ships for close-quarters combat and boarding actions. Ketland & Co. operated as one of the most prominent and active British makers of the day, producing quality arms for both civilian and military markets.

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