Very beautiful flintlock marine blunderbuss, octagonal... Lot 328

Very beautiful flintlock marine blunderbuss, octagonal silvered bronze barrel, then blunderbuss and flattened at the end; the first register is engraved with palmettes, foliage, reeds, tridents, flags and the number: "3" in a medallion; the blunderbuss part is chased with fish scales and ends in the shape of a sea monster's head; the end has a throwing bayonet engraved with lightning bolts; barrel length 47 cm, muzzle 40 x 73 mm inside. Round-bodied lock, fully engraved with foliage, reeds, a dragon and, at the rear, a grotesque mask; it is signed, around the battery spring: "J. LARCHER À NANTES"; swan-necked hammer and battery engraved en suite, roller spring. Iron fittings, cut out and also engraved in continuation; the return of the butt plate carries the number: "3" in a crown of laurels. Light walnut stock, carved with flowers at the rear of the breech and silver watermarked, the busk bears an oval silver plated thumb piece, engraved with an anchor surrounded by ropes. Iron ramrod. Length 86,5 cm. Late 18th century. Very good condition. Jérôme LARCHER, harquebusier in Nantes, circa 1740/1780.