John Probin: an early 19th century flintlock blunderbuss, brass two-stage hexagonal-to-round barrel

John Probin: an early 19th century flintlock blunderbuss, brass two-stage hexagonal-to-round barrel 15 in., an astragal to the rear of the swollen muzzle, the left shoulder-flat of the breech struck with the 'I.P' mark of John Probin of London (floruit 1826 - c.1847) and 'PROVED' in two lines; flat lock with border engraving and stepped tail and signed 'J PROBIN', swan-necked cock engraved with an acanthus scroll; walnut stock with engraved brass furniture, the butt plate tang well embellished with scrolls and a stepped border, the side plate similar, oval brass escutcheon with beaded border, horn tipped wooden ram rod. Section 58(2) - no licence required in the UK if possessed as a curiosity or ornament.