‡A FINE BRASS-BARRELLED FLINTLOCK BLUNDERBUSS BY H.W.MORTIMER, FLEET STREET, LONDON, CIRCA 1782 with brass barrel formed in three stages, belled at the muzzle , inscribed 'Fleet Street' over the breech and fitted with spring bayonet above, engraved iron tang decorated with foliage, border ornament and fitted with the bayonet release catch, signed stepped brass bevelled lock fitted with sliding bolt safety-catch, figured walnut full stock (minor bruising) carved with a raised apron moulding around the tang, engraved brass mounts comprising finely pierced ribbon side-plate, butt-plate with a trophy-of-hunting, trigger-guard en suite and with acorn finial, escutcheon with scallop shell above and engraved with the owner's crest, motto and monogram, and moulded ramrod-pipes (later ramrod, sling swivels missing) 36.5 cm; 14 3/8 in barrel Provenance Arthur John Blunt collection, sold, Bonhams, 11th May 2016, lot 376 The arms, crest, motto and monogram are those of John Delap Halliday (1749-94). Halliday was born in Antigua, educated at Eton and later purchased a Cornetcy in the Cold Stream Guards in 1769. The following year he was engaged to marry the niece of Lord George Gordon Byron. However, the engagement was broken when he met Lady Jane Tollemache, youngest daughter of Lord Dysart, who he eloped with and married in Gretna Green in 1770. They had five children over the following four years and spent the greater part of their time in London. When war broke out between England and the combined forces of France and Spain he joined up and became a captain of 87th Regiment of Foot. After his father died he inherited plantations in Antigua and St Kitts and became 5th Laird of Castlemains, Kirkcudbright in Scotland. In 1789 he acquired The Leasows near Halesowen in the West Midlands, the former home of the poet William Shenstone. He died five years later of pneumonia at the age of forty-five. This sudden death was brought on by a chill following his efforts to save a dog from drowning in a lake one May day. Following his death a memorial was carved in his memory by the renowned sculptor Thomas Banks R.A. and erected in Halesowen Church.