Commodore Swab

Too old, the particular ship we are looking for sank in the 1730's and we are trying to use the depth of the water from survivors accounts help narrow down our search area.

I don't have that book so anything you might be able to scan would be helpful.

price is 1200 for each, half up front The first is an english including original lock parts. This is a full sized bronze buss which I can work with you on design. The second is a shortened buss (look at my sig) that is a double barrel also in bronze with brass plate locks. Both are set in exotic Woman'sTongue (East Indian Walnut) wood and include either steel or bronze/brass fittings Any questions feel free to PM me or post them here

Would love a couple of them thar flints. Thanks for ye approval on the rough design Cascabel.

I am in the process of building a Spanish blunderbuss and thought I would share some of the steps I am going in the process. Sort of a "here's my project from start to finish" feel free to comment along the way. It all started when I found an original lock and purchased it. When looking at the lock I estimated it to be around 1720's (see thread on helping to ID a flintlock) for various reasons. As I have been unable to find any original examples of Spanish blunderbusses so I am taking a couple of liberties. I have decided on a simple flared design all in steel, the lock is rather plain and I plan on keeping the buss plain as well. As the lock is of French origin in design due to Spain's ruler if I were to build this as a common buss there would be little to distinguish it as Spanish once done. Cascabel made a wonderful suggestion to go with a Catalan styled stock and this is my intention. I am looking to build a larger buss and the barrel length will be around 20 inches overall length roughly 36 inches. As for caliber I am thinking of .75 which should pair with the lock very nicely. Here is a picture of the lock as well as my rough sketch of what the completed buss might look like.

Thanks, I really like your idea about using the catalan style stock. I did find this picture which is what Im going to try to aim for I drew this up as just a very rough sketch

Maybe I should donate "Precious" and make somebody buy it . . .

I've been trying to look for some information and maybe somebody here can help. Im trying to find out the draft of a 1730's Spanish ship around 325 tons as well as how high off the water the poop deck might be.

I don't have one of their catalogs, I tried to call them for 3 weeks to try and order one but never had any luck getting them to pick up or return calls (big surprise). Ill see if they have anything on their site. I was in favor of a buss to keep the gun short as well as having a soft spot in my heart for a full sized buss. By the way what is the OD of your buss at the muzzle?

I figure I can either make a washer at the top or cut the bottom off of the threads so it will screw down farther. My preferable option of course is to find thick flints. Any chance you might have a picture of a Spanish Buss? I'm planning on building a steel barrel for this that way I should be able to fire her anywhere safely.

I found this information on the Rifle Shoppe website . . . "In 1700, a new king came to the throne (Philip V) who was of French descent. Styles started changing in all things including weapons. The model 1700 Infantry Musket was updated with the new French style lock in 1718, which was very similar to the 1717 French Infantry Musket lock but without internal and external bridles which were added in 1722. A new Infantry musket came out in 1752 which was compilation of the best features of the earlier muskets (Spanish and French)." This is why I date it to late 1720's, it is french style with an external bridle and the spanish ring. I am assuming that the "new" musket retained the same lock yet the changes were to the musket itself?

I have a large original lock that I believe to be Spanish from roughly the 1720's. It is a french style lock however has the large round ring (like a spanishmiquelet) on top of the cock with no provision for a screw driver. The frizzen is nearly verticle when closed and the frizzen is bridled (which is why I figure more late 1720's). The frizzen also has verticle groves cut in it that are mostly worn off. On the outside is a makers mark consisting of a crowned R, the crown having 5 points. On the inside is a sideways V inside a box next to a "P". Overall shape of the lock is quite curved instead of flat. I will try to get some pictures up asap. Is there anybody who might have some literature or point me in the correct direction I would be greatful. I intend to build a simple spanish blunderbuss using this lock and would love to make the stock, barrel, and hardware as correct as possible. I was able to place a flint in the jaws (required 2 pieces of leather) which took and effort as the jaws don't close that tight, I figure the "rocks" they were using wernt anywhere near as nice as what we have now. The frizzen spring is weak and barely holds the pan closed while the main spring is still quite strong. When triggered she throws tons of sparks, it really is a joy to see something so old still working beautifully I can't wait to build the gun for this beauty.

I would like to get a couple massive flints. Thick not thin and about an inch wide, I have an original lock and the jaws don't close small enough to hold a flint. I got my thickest one in there but it required 2 pieces of leather.

On a similar note my little wife has taught me a fair bit about traditional Thai clothing and how something as simple as a square piece of cloth can be wrapped into a comfortable pair of pants.

I tried emailing him for another order a few months ago and never got a response.

that is an India gun, I would order from Loyalist after having delt with him in the past.

depending on your bore try a sanding drum for a drill

hows that inleting going for the tapered barrel, fun eh . . .