^Lot 4339 EARLY BRASS BARREL SPRING BAYONET BLUNDERBUSS BY

I & W RICHARDS. Cal. 1" at muzzle. S# NSN. The 12" swamped brass barrel with flare at muzzle has some scroll engraving and Birmingham proofs at breech end. Barrel is fitted with spring loaded 9-1/2" steel bayonet retained by sliding thumb piece on barrel tang. Lock with early rounded plate, serpentine cock, inset round pan, unbridled friction frizzen and feather spring with spear finial has some scroll engraving and "I & W" "Richards" at center. Fruitwood stock with handrail comb extends to muzzle and is pinned to barrel. Brass mounts include trigger guard with foliate finial, buttplate with broad top tang and pierced long sideplate. Mounts are engraved in floral motif. An acorn shaped flush crest plate is at top of grip. Hickory ramrod with brass tip mounts through beaded brass pipe and matching thimble. CONDITION: fair to good. Barrel cleaned to light gold color. Lock cleaned to pitted silver gray. Stock with added oil is fairly shiny over many bumps and marks. Furniture shows cleaning subsequently toned to mustard. Bayonet pivot resoldered to barrel. Tip of old bayonet shows repairs. Lock is operable but soft. Stock shows loses and repairs around lock and replaced wood along right barrel channel. Bore is good. Bayonet operable but weak. PROVENANCE: Estate Collection of Nicholas Apergis. (01-27500/MGM). ANTIQUE. $2,000-3,000.