The steel barrel is in four stages, with signed lock engraved with foliage, full stock, brass mounts, and the butt-plate engraved ‘E’ for Exeter, beneath a coronet, 88.8cm overall.
A weapon of this kind would have been essential on the late 17th Century Continental journeys of John, 5th Earl of Exeter (1648-1700), when groups of brigands were known to roam the countryside looking for easy prey.
It would, however, be necessary to pay customs duty on weapons when entering any walled or defended town.
