Those Club-Butt Fowlers

[John Tice]

Does anyone have any sources or thoughts concerning how the club-butt stock pattern was distributed geographically? I understand that they were common in New England in the 18th century, but I am wondering if they were also found in New York, and if they over-lap with the Hudson Valley Fowlers into that region. Was it retained at all when people from New England moved west? Where did the club-butt pattern originate? It seems rather distinctive. Any input would be appreciated.

 

[Stophel]

Do not confuse the "club butt" with the Dutch type guns from the Hudson valley. The "club butt" guns are stylistic copies (or derivatives) of the French buccaneer guns. They are supposedly pretty well limited to the Massachusetts area, but I don't know if that is an absolute hard-and-fast rule.

The new book "Flintlock Fowlers" shows a rather good number of club butt guns.

 

[John Tice]

Thanks. Yes, my understanding is that the club-butt and Hudson valley are entirely two distinct fowler traditions. How about Connecticut and Rhode Island or Eastern New York, what might those fowlers look like in the 18th-century? I am getting that new book on fowlers, but I have to wait until Santa brings it to me. :shocking:

 

[Stophel]

Guns from in and around New York City tend to be rather British looking. There are a number of guns from this area that are of basic English form but with distinctive foliate carving at the rear of the triggerguards and around the lower rod pipes, etc.

Other New England guns tend to either be of normal English form, or that which is common in Massachusetts and elsewhere, which is a blending of English and French styles. For example, a French style curved stock with English type hardware. You'll see them when you get the book! "Early American Flintlocks" also has several nice examples of New England guns. They can also be seen in "Battle Weapons of the American Revolution".

 

[Marc Adamchek]

FD - Who authored "Flintlock Fowlers"? Would you know where I could purchase it? I've recently gotten very interested in local smoothbores. At the moment I'm particularly enamored of a fowler offered by Rustic Arms. It's a copy of a design by a fellow named Joseph Chapman who made guns circa 1750-60 in Windsor, CT., which is about 15 miles from where I live (Springfield MA)

 

[bnail]

Scurlock Publishing, I was just over there and almost ordered it myself.

Sorry to butt in.

 

[Russ T Frizzen]

You might want to talk to Leonard Day. He builds guns in Westhampton, Mass. and is very knowledgeable when it comes to these guns. You can call him at 413-527-0184.

 

[Marc Adamchek]

Many Thanks to Skagun and Russ!