I picked up a new fowler that my gun builder buddy assembled for me today. As you can see it is made of various parts that, I believe, could have been very possible in the middle to later 18th century. This fowler is based on those in Grinslade's book. In order to justify is existence, I composed a possible letter:
I know you want to join the 22nd Regiment stationed at ft. Niagara and if you are so inclined, I am willing you my gun that has served me well. When I was with Joab Hoisington in the 1st Regiment of Connecticut during the war with France I came upon a lighter than my British musket of a French one. I gave the heavier gun to a soldier and kept the French gun. After the war I moved to Vermont and in 1777 joined a newly formed ranger company of Joab Hoisington. But alas, my French gun had broken of the stock so I traveled to New York to see a Gilbert Forbes, a highly advertised gun maker. I inquired if he could fashion a gun with parts of the old French gun with a stock styled by the trade stocks like those of Wilson
It has served we well as it is light and during our ranging very effective with ball and shot.
I wish you well dear Christopher. the gun is yours if you want it.
Your Grandfather,
If no rain tomorrow, we'll see how the 46" Colerain 16 gauge shoots.
October 1812
Dear Grandson ChristopherI know you want to join the 22nd Regiment stationed at ft. Niagara and if you are so inclined, I am willing you my gun that has served me well. When I was with Joab Hoisington in the 1st Regiment of Connecticut during the war with France I came upon a lighter than my British musket of a French one. I gave the heavier gun to a soldier and kept the French gun. After the war I moved to Vermont and in 1777 joined a newly formed ranger company of Joab Hoisington. But alas, my French gun had broken of the stock so I traveled to New York to see a Gilbert Forbes, a highly advertised gun maker. I inquired if he could fashion a gun with parts of the old French gun with a stock styled by the trade stocks like those of Wilson
It has served we well as it is light and during our ranging very effective with ball and shot.
I wish you well dear Christopher. the gun is yours if you want it.
Your Grandfather,
If no rain tomorrow, we'll see how the 46" Colerain 16 gauge shoots.