October 30, 2019 The Collection of Steve & Marcy Hench
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/30/2019
This trade fowler features an English proofed three-stage smoothbore barrel with silver teardrop front sight mounted on top at muzzle. Lockplate stamped "WARRANTED" in center. Cast brass furniture including wrist escutcheon, buttplate, sideplate, and triggerguard. A six-pointed compass star is crudely inlaid into the left side of the buttstock, made from a copper penny. Full length walnut stock of classic English 18th century form with a relief-carved shell around the barrel tang. Complete with wooden ramrod, which is probably a replacement. Complete with a letter of provenance from Gene van der Toorn dated 2007. The letter states that this trade fowler was removed from the mantle of the oldest home in West Milford, New Jersey and it had been in the family "forever". CONDITION: Barrel and lock retain a dark heavy brown patina. This second period lock is in its original flintlock configuration. Brass mounts show wear and some scattered marks from use, retain a dark unpolished patina. Forend shows some cracking and losses on both sides. This is a very attractive untouched 18th century trade fowler which is nearly identical to the Duncan fowler shown on pages 111 to 113 of "Colonial Frontier Guns" by T.M. Hamilton.
Caliber/Bore
.67 Smoothbore