The above two photographs are rather fuller ones of yesterdayday's 'Mystery object', which were taken from a rather different angle. It is, of course, an English coaching blunderbuss with a spring bayonet along the top of the barrel. It was made by J.Wright, of Weymouth, circa 1790 to 1810. I've always liked the engraving round the muzzle, Fly or Dye; in that, if you're close enough to read it, then you've already lost the choice it gives .
2 comments:
Hi Mike, I see the hole which I mistook for a touch-hole is the locating hole for the bayonet hinge. It's a handsome piece.
There is a reference dating from 1677 for the motto "Fly or Dye" around the barrel rim. It comes from Aphra Behn's play Abdelazer; or, the Moor's Revenge. A tragedy. [In verse.] Act II Scene I [page 59]
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