Despite the fact that Spain controlled nearly two thirds of what is now the modern United States until well into the 19th Century, modern collectors tend not to think of Spanish weapons when they consider "American Colonial firearms". While Dutch Fowlers, French pistols, and British Brown Bess muskets, all fetch large sums on the modern market, Spanish guns tend to remain over looked. This is likely because "New Spain" primarily covered the Southwest portion of the U.S, which was an area that remained quite "wild" until well into the 20th Century. Because of this any Spanish weaponry that was utilized in this area was used often used for generations, as it was difficult to obtain modern replacements. There are numerous accounts of early White Settlers in America's western territories during the mid 19th Century who encountered Indian warriors wearing Spanish armor and carrying Spanish escopetas that dated as far back as the 16th Century. Naturally the incredibly long service life of these Spanish colonial pieces meant that they eventually degraded to the point of becoming unusable and were simply discarded. By comparison, the Eastern portion of the U.S. was settled rather quickly; meaning that Colonial guns from this region were generally used for sporting purposes rather than subsistence or self defense; meaning Eastern pieces are often found in barely-used condition.
This particular piece is an excellent example of a Spanish Blunderbuss pistol. The uniquely shaped stock and adorenments are distinctive characteristics of the guns made in Ripoll; to the point that collector's often refer to these pieces as "Ripoll Pistols". The use of Ripoll Blunderbuss pistols in New Spain is well documented; and they are mentioned in numerous reference materials including the excellent book, Spanish Military Weapons in Colonial America 1700-1821 by Sydney Brinkenhoff and Pierce Chamberlain. We have included photographs of their text in this listing.
The Ripoll Blunderbuss pistols were produced during the mid 18th Century; during the height of Spain's Viceroyalty in North America. The details of their decorations vary based on the specific maker, but they all have several features in common, like belt hooks, flared octagon-to-round barrels, catalan-style stock profiles and Spanish miqulet locks. What's also interesting to note is that Brinkenhoff and Chamberlain write that these pistols were built for the purpose of export; meaning that not only does this pistol date back to the era of Spanish colonial control in North America, it's also very likely that it was in America during that same time period.
This particular pistol is in excellent condition. The miqulet lock functions correctly with a solid half and full cock and a stout main spring.
The stock is very nice and still retains nearly all of its pierced brass adornements. The barrel is in good condition with a fair, uncleaned bore.
This is the perfect pistol for a Colonial American/18th Century buff. Sure everybody has a European fowling piece in their collection but who has a Spanish blunderbuss pistol? This one is sure to be a conversation starter.
