| An early solution to piracy on the high seas, the Blunderbuss, for sale at Bonhams in London |
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| Notizie arte e cultura - News d'arte dal mondo | |||
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LONDON.- Bonhams next sale of Fine Antique Arms and Armour on November 30th in Knightsbridge features no fewer than 24 examples of a weapon much used to control pirates at sea – the blunderbuss. They vary in pre-sale estimates from £1,500 to £5,000, intriguing objects that are also a talking point. This weapon – in effect a sawn-off or shortened shotgun - made for easy handling, and provided a withering fire that spread shot across a deck, capable of killing many attackers. Its fearful reputation was such that a man in possession of a blunderbuss could control and if necessary dominate a fight. David Williams, Head of Antique Arms and Armour at Bonhams, says: “These weapons would have been the weapon of choice for many men facing a high odds threat on land or sea. It is interesting that today’s renewed threat of piracy on the high seas has not led to any new weapon to control pirates, other read full article
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