in search of resources on French colonial trade fusils

[thatoneguy82]

I have acquired about everything TOTW has for offer on the subject and have found a book dating to 1971 on firearm components recovered at Ft. Michlinakinac in MI but was wondering if there are any good resources I've overlooked? Also interested in any pictures anyone is willing to share of original guns.

 

[54ball]

TOTW has the Hamilton and Hansen Trade gun books.

 

[JohnN]

"The French Trade Gun in North America 1662-1759" by Kevin Gladysz. Mostly about guns from St.- Etienne.

 

[Ike Godsey]

Also interested in any pictures anyone is willing to share of original guns.

Not sure if that is what you're looking for, but here are some pics from an original 1690 TVLLE, taken at a Museum in Paris/France.

Ike

 

[Artificer]

Ike,

REALLY enjoyed looking at those pics! Thank you.

Wow, I thought the flint jaws on the Cock of a P1730 British Musket were large, but those look almost gigantic! Of course it could be a matter of perspective if the lock is slightly smaller in proportion.

Gus

 

[Ike Godsey]

I am sorry not to be able to provide any better pics. But it was forbitten to make pictures in the museum. This pics have been made with a cellphone. so light and perspectives are not the best.

Ike

 

[Artificer]

No need to apologize. It is great to see it by any method.

Gus

 

[Artificer]

I definitely second 54ball's recommendation on "Colonial Frontier Guns" by T.M. Hamilton. It has MANY photos and drawings of original guns, parts and excavated parts.

However, what I have found truly impressive about the book is the research and information on period shot, balls, flints and even Gauges that were used during the period. The information comes from both research, inspection of originals and the archeological record. The Gauges have to do with GO and NO GO gages the author found in Europe and especially what was most likely the 18th century French Gauges.

Though I have paid more to a LOT more for 18th century resource books, this one is inexpensive and chock full of GREAT stuff. A lot of info in this book is not covered nearly as well in other books.
http://www.trackofthewolf.com/Categories/PartDetail.aspx/278/1/BOOK-CFG

Gus

 

[thatoneguy82]

Thanks for the pics, I especially like the tang shot, clearly they meant it when they carved in relief.

 

[Ike Godsey]

Thank you Sir. :hatsoff:

To me it shows clearly one thing: those TVULLE fusils have not been as light weight as anyone is going to tell me. The TVLLE was about 9 pounds! Thats close to a LLP in weight.

From seeing this I understood some modern day made TVLLE copies look as small as "air guns" compared to that original one.

Ike

 

[rich pierce]

There can be some confusion in thinking a "Tulle" is a specific model of French smoothbore made at one time to one set of specifications. The variety among guns marks "Tulle" is far greater than the changes over time in the Long Land Pattern.