The Blunderbuss in Ireland.

The Blunderbuss in Ireland

 Lord John Russell in his continuous struggle to control the unsettled counties of Ireland.

Not only was the Blunderbuss seen as a good deterrent against domestic burglars it was used largely by the mail and coaching companies and the newly formed prison service.

All this fascinating social history for us today.. but for the traveller in 1809 the most important.. and it is in capital letters,  with an exclamation mark, "WITH A GUARD!".

If this didn't satisfy you then the advertisement below offered double security!

Emphasis this time on "TWO GUARDS,WELL ARMED" between Fermoy and Clonmel.

What a rough and tough part of he country that must have been in 1808!

   One of the largest markets for the blunderbuss were the expanding mail and passenger coaches which gradually networked across the country in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

The "Footpads" or Highwaymen such as Bold Brennan* finding their way into Irish folklore.

The majority of blunderbusses found today are flintlock with brass barrels and by the time the percussion system became popular circa the 1820's  the blunderbuss had fallen out of favour as unwieldy and the double- barrelled percussion carbine had taken its place. 

* http://snap.waterfordcoco.ie/collections/efolders/158139/158139.pdf

In a recent survey connected with the Irish Registration Act of 1843, the authors findings indicate that over sixty percent of blunderbusses found registered were of either of Irish manufacture or attributed to an Irish Gunmaker. This meaning that the weapon was either produced in Ireland or bought in from the mainland and merely engraved with the Irish gunmakers name. 

The first blunderbusses produced in Ireland appeared just prior to the turn of the 17th century. 

An early 18th century example can be seen in the lower plate.

This blunderbuss having once been fitted with a "dog-lock". This early form of cock safety being popular at this time. The hole for the pivot- hook being behind the cock. (Hook Lacking).

Early 18th Century Brass Barrelled Blunderbuss by William Guinness.  circa (1710-1720).

This weapon having been registered under the 1843 Act in Co: Tipperary,  ST 406.

Photography Courtesy Bonhams.

We are always pleased to know about any blunderbusses registered under the 1843 Act whether Irish or other.

Dave Stroud. R.A..

T