English Fowler?

Ok, I'm hoping you all can try to give me an idea of what I have, or the best books or sources I can use to try to identify it. I'm not new to the flintlock, as this is my third (I have a Semi-custom .50 calibre Tennessee (Green Mountain barrel, L&R Lock), and a 2nd. Model Brown Bess that has been completely defarbed and looks RIGHT). Actually this is the fourth that I have owned. I started with a Charleville a few years ago, but hated shooting it and eventually sold it. I got the Brown Bess a few years ago and have been shooting it quite a bit, and I got my Tennessee earlier this year and have been out shooting it too. Anyway, back in September, I took a pocket full of money and went to Friendship, and after looking at EVERY single gun there, I purchased an absolutely beautiful .62 calibre smoothbore gun. The immediate thought is that it is an English fowler, and actually puts you in mind of a Wilson, but this one is slightly different. The buttstock almost reminds me of a Tulle, but rather than a flat butt, it has a fairly shallow crescent shape. The buttplate is of brass, and is nailed on. The trigger guard is also of brass, and is a trade gun style, with a very small trigger guard bow. The trigger guard is screwed on, and being trade gun style, is NOT inletted into the stock. However, it IS rather finely made and finished/fit, as is the buttstock. The lock is English, but like the rest of the gun, is completely unmarked. Their are three brass ramrod pipes which are ridged/ringed. The barrel is 48 inches, and is octagonal from the breech for about 12 inches, then for approx. 2 1/2 inches is hexagon (I think that's the correct term), followed by a wedding band, and the rest is round. The stock is walnut, and is stained in sort of a medium/dark color, and is oil finished.No, I can't post a photo, but the closest thing I can find that resembles it is the one in Colonial Frontier Guns on page 78, although the butt stock of mine is a little more pronounced, and the trigger guard is smaller. The metal is all finished bright, and the entire gun is lightweight, slender, and graceful.The gentleman I bought it from said it was a circa 1730s English '9 Pence' Trade Gun. I believe he is basically correct as to the era, but '9 Pence' seems awefully cheap to me, even for the era, and try as I might, I can't find any reference to anything such as that.So, does anyone know where I would go to research this further? Oh, I also picked up a (contemporary make, like the gun) French and Indian War Era powder horn, which has on it's side an inscription out of Revelations: "And I looked, and behold, a pale horse: and he that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him." Once I get my new pouch made and my balls cast, I look forward to getting out and putting some lead downrange!!! Any information will be greatly appreciated.THANKS!

 

I believe you meant 12 sided for 2 1/2", not hexagonal(6 sided). Sounds as if you know your stuff - much more PC than I am, or want to be. Sorry - can't help with the smoothbore - sounds interesting, but somewhat odd, as I thought the guard should be nailed or pinned - at least the front. I'm probably way out of line here. Oh well.

 

[Russ T Frizzen]

Well, the nailed on buttplate would tend to indicate a trade musket. Barrel lengths varied on these guns, and also on fowlers. It sounds like a so-called Chief's grade trade gun. That is what is depicted on page 78.
When you say "contemporary make", do you mean newly made or made back in the 18th century? If newly made, you have a very useful gun. Essentially, the .62 or 20 gauge can do most everything. If it is an old gun, regardless of condition, I don't believe I'd fire it.

 

[musketman]

Does the side plate look like this???

 

[fatboy]

Hey Russ, I belive he is talking about the powder horn being contemporary made. To bad you cant post pics sounds interesting would love to see it !!

 

[Russ T Frizzen]

Says "contemporary make, like the gun". I think we're talking about a recently made gun, but I'd just like to be sure.
Pictures would be very welcome. I never tire of looking at pictures of guns--new or old.

 

Daryl, yeah, I guess that's what I meant. Whatever kind of math that is, I obviously didn't do to well on it in school...Russ, yes, I meant that they are both modern made, the horn and the gun. The horn is brand spanking new and has never been used by anyone. The gun has been shot, but not much!!! However, it is DEFINITELY of modern make, of that there is no question.As far as the sideplate is concerned, this one does not have one. I meant to put that in my earlier post, but I forgot.I didn't measure the length of pull, but it is short, and the entire gun fits me balance-wise (and sighting) as if someone especially made it just to fit my body.Sorry, I can't post pictures, but when I get the pouch finished, I may send the photos to someone here who can do it for me...AND, the gun, horn, pouch, and a scalping knife that a friend is making for me will be featured in my brochure sometime early next year (pouchmaking).Hmmm.....so what do we call this gun? How about a "French influenced circa 1730s English Trade Gun?"THANKS!