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.