Antique Punt Gun

This item is an antique punt gun, a large-caliber firearm historically used in the 19th century for commercial waterfowl hunting. This particular punt gun measures 72 inches in length and features a flintlock mechanism stamped with “London,” indicating it likely originated from a British maker. Notably, the wooden stock is carved with the inscription “James Batten, His Gun, 1842,” giving it a documented provenance that connects it to its original owner and adds significant historical character.
Punt guns were mounted on small boats (punts) and fired massive loads to bring down large numbers of birds at once, making them key tools in the commercial hunting trade before they were largely outlawed.