Thomas Ketland Flintlock Fowler.

[Limberjoe]

A few years back, maybe 10 or so, I lucked out on an online auction and picked up this Ketland Flintlock. It was part of a huge auction that was comprised mostly of Buffalo Bill related items.

This Fowler was unique to the auction and mislabeled as an "English Flower". Maybe this contributed to that lack of interest in it, but there were only two of us that bid on it. Anyway, I picked it up for a lot less than I was will to bid.

I proofed it myself, and shoot it from time to time while squirrel hunting. It has an amazingly fast lock time.

 

[Stumpkiller]

Looks lovely. I would also describe it as a half-stock English Fowler.

 

[Feltwad]

Limberjoe
Have you any more info i can see it is pre 1780 with a Madrid barrel and a brass acorn finial trigger guard a good piece
Feltwad

 

[Limberjoe]

Limberjoe
Have you any more info i can see it is pre 1780 with a Madrid barrel and a brass acorn finial trigger guard a good piece
Feltwad

I wish that I knew more of the gun's history. The auction was held in Reno, NV, and though there were a lot of firearms in it, this was the only one that wasn't cowboy or Buffalo Bill related. It was really out of place. I attempted to get more info from the auction company, but they weren't much help, citing privacy concerns.

The condition of the gun amazed me. The only obvious repair was to the trigger guard. You'll see a couple of screws on the back portion. The other issue was that the face of the frizzen had lost its hardness. The folks at the Log Cabin Shop case hardened it for me, and now it sparks very well.

I've done some research online, but hadn't nailed down it's probable age. I had originally thought just prior to or just after 1800. Most of the information that I found regarding Thomas Ketland and his shops centered around his lock making. As prolific as he was, there isn't a ton of information out there. I'm hoping that I can locate a book or two that go into more detail.

Thanks for sharing your observations.

It's hard to describe the feeling you get toting this piece of history into the squirrel woods! (I forgot to mention that it's .62 cal/20 ga.)

 

[Capt. Jas.]

I dont know what pictures the others who've commented are seeing but what I see is a half-stock English birding piece made at Birmingham POST 1813. Nice piece.

 

[ResearchPress]

A few years back, maybe 10 or so, I lucked out on an online auction and picked up this Ketland Flintlock. It was part of a huge auction that was comprised mostly of Buffalo Bill related items. . .

I have a couple of free PDF files on my web site that may be of interest.

Ketland Guns in America

also and looking at the barrel markings:

Why the Tombstone

David

 

[Feltwad]

Thomas Ketland was a Birmingham gunmaker was the founder of the of the Ketland gun making who first began at 7.Lichfield street Birmingham in 1766.In 1776 he moved to Catharine Street ,Aston , Birmingham and then to 2 Weaman Row in 1780. I n 1799 he went into a partner ship with William Walker, and became contractors to the board of Ordnance from 1790 to 1812
Feltwad

 

[Limberjoe]

I have a couple of free PDF files on my web site that may be of interest.

Ketland Guns in America

also and looking at the barrel markings:

Why the Tombstone

David

Very helpful! Thank you very much!

 

[dave_person]

Hi,
Yes read Joe Puleo's paper. Those are Birmingham proofs on the barrel post 1813 and T Ketland & Co. went bankrupt in 1821 so that dates the gun pretty well.

dave

 

[toot]

does it have a hooked breach?

 

[Limberjoe]

does it have a hooked breach?

It does.