Blunderbuss

A blunderbuss is a type of antique firearm, used from the 17th to 19th centuries and defined by its flared muzzle (resembling a horn). Originating in Europe, the most familiar blunderbuss is similar to later shotguns, with a long handle, although pistol versions exist. The powerful short range weapon was frequently used by cavalry, infantry, to guard mail coaches, and in naval combat. The latter led to the blunderbuss often being used by pirates as well.
Visually in pop culture, the blunderbuss would come to symbolize either period combat or broad slapstick, as a weapon more likely to create a mess than take lives. As an example of the latter, the Swedish Chef has wielded a blunderbuss as his ballistic implement of choice in multiple installments of The Muppet Show and Muppet*Vision 3D. It was even included as a prop with his Palisades action figure.
Gonzo wields the pistol form in one of his opening gags, and Eric the Parrot used the same one, for piratical authenticity, in episode 507.
Pa Gorg is known to be the owner of such a weapon in the Fraggle Rock episode "Red's Club," where he threatens to eliminate Red Fraggle and her friends after catching most of them in a trap.
The Muppet Kids style guide, including concepts for younger versions of Statler and Waldorf as dashing adventurous types, depicts Waldorf firing a blunderbuss through a hot air balloon at a pterodactyl.
For a 2020 "Word of the Day" social media video, Scooter presents Fozzie Bear with "blunderbuss" as the term in question. Fozzie assumes it means a really bad bus driver. Scooter corrects him, saying it's an "old-fashioned weapon," but acknowledges an alternate definition: "a way of doing something that lacks, uh, delicacy and, uh, precision."@TheMuppets on Twitter, Sep. 12, 2020
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Category:Muppet Props