Be quick on trigger finger if you have sights on early 19th century blunderbuss

Among the military items in Whitton & Laing’s sale of medals, militaria, jewellery, watches and silver on Thursday, December 6 at 10am is an early 19th century blunderbuss.

With percussion mechanism and steel trumpet-shaped barrel, the trigger guard and steel mechanism are nicely engraved with foliage and it is stamped Smith of London.

It has a walnut stock and measures 30in long excluding the bayonet which has been cut off. It is estimated at £600-£900.

Among the silver items is a William IV snuffbox with cast edges and is presented with an inscription “After many years of valuable services by his friend” and dated 1840. It actually has the hallmark for Birmingham 1837 by F Clark and is expected to make £120-£180.

There is also an attractive silver gilt vinaigrette also with cast borders, made by the Birmingham silversmith Nathanial Mills in 1830, valued at £180-£240.

A more decorative item is a Dutch shoe which has been chased and embossed with scrolls and flowers. This has import marks for 1908 and should fetch £100-£150.

Whitton & Laing

Tel: 01392 252621 whittonandlaingauctioneers.co.uk

The early 19th century blunderbuss and the Dutch shoe