Blunderbuss with spring bayonet issued to Irish Volunteers, 1815 (c)
The blunderbuss was a popular weapon for defending homes and property in the 18th century and after 1770 began to be produced with a spring bayonet. However, by 1800 its popularity had begun to wane and it would have been considered a virtually obsolete weapon by the military.
In Ireland however the blunderbuss was always a popular weapon and indeed it remained so into Victorian times. When the Irish Volunteers requested arms during the Napoleonic Wars (1803-1815) many old and obsolete weapons would have been provided, including blunderbusses. This particular weapon is unusual in having steel rather than a brass barrel. It also has a maker's name, taken to be Joseph Wood of York, who specialised in the manufacture of these weapons.
NAM Accession Number
NAM. 1956-02-394-1
Copyright/Ownership
National Army Museum Copyright
Location
National Army Museum, Study Collection
Object URL
https://collection.nam.ac.uk/detail.php?acc=1956-02-394-1