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flintlock trap gun or as Lewis Winant in Firearms Curiosa calls it "Unpopular, that is with the intended victims, poachers, and grave robbers." Around 1800 a very common device to stop thieves, which was forbidden in 1827. The hammer was cocked, the rings were connected with tripwires and the thug stumbled over, unloading the big caliber blunderbuss pistol and hopefully was hit. Please see Lewis Winant, Firearms Curiosa, pages 168, 170, 172 and figure 112 "spring gun". It is 19" long. The pistol shows some wear from outdoor use, is in working condition and scarce.    reserved