Italian Percussion Pistol Blunderbuss, 19th Century

Description

Italian percussion cap “dragon” from the 19th century.

The blunderbuss is a historic short-barreled blackpowder gun that fires shot or scrap metal. The barrel of the blunderbuss expands into a trumpet-like funnel, and such a wide-mouthed gun was much easier to load than a straight one.

Blunderbusses were especially popular from the 17th to the 19th centuries as self-defense weapons for wagon drivers and postmen against highway robbers and wild animals, as they were easy to handle due to their small size and their impact was almost certain when shooting at close range.

A pistol sized blunderbuss was called a “dragon.” Early short-barreled guns used by cavalry were commonly decorated with a dragon to give an illusion of a fire-breathing dragon.  For this reason, cavalry troops began to be called dragoons. A dragoon had only one free hand to use the weapon with, so the firearm had to be small in order to be used effectively. Pirates and marines also used these guns because they were effective in close combat when attacking ships, and loading a wide-mouthed weapon on a swaying and slippery deck was relatively easy. Thanks to their small size, the weapons were also easy to handle in the cramped spaces of the ship.

In the past, dragons of this type had used a flint lock, but the more reliable percussion cap replaced the old system in the early 19th century.

This percussion pistol has a gorgeous hardwood stock, and the butt is decorated with a metal pirate ornament. The ancient gray barrel has magnificent carvings.

• This gun is an exact replica of the original. The replica matches the original in size, but may be slightly lighter in weight. The mechanisms of the weapon are working. The weapon can be cocked and dry fired like a real one. Due to the materials used, the mechanisms cannot withstand continuous cocking and firing for long periods.
• Genuine wood and cast metal has been used to make this replica weapon. Zamac differs from steel in many respects, so the structure of the gun does not withstand pressure, it cannot be used to fire bullets, nor can it be converted to a functional weapon by any means.
• Replica guns such as this do not require permits in Finland, nor in many other countries. However, since the gun looks real, it should not be carried in public.
• A replica gun is perfect for historical re-enactment, on a theater stage, in film productions, for collectors of historical memorabilia, and as decoration.
• Length: 37 cm
• Weight: 635 g
• Manufacturer: Denix, Spain

Due to the nature of this item please read about shipping options/restrictions if ordering outside Finland.   –More information about international shipping-