May 27, 2020 Founders & Patriots
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/27/2020
This fowler is illustrated and described in plate NE 8 on page 40 of "Flintlock Fowlers" by Tom Grinslade and it dates 1750-1770. This fowler is also illustrated and described on pages 144-145 of "For Liberty I Live" by Al Benting. The French barrel is tapered and round with the exception of a 6 - 1/2" faceted section towards the breech. There is a long deep 4 - 1/2" groove extending from the breech into the tang. There is a small half moon iron front sight on top towards the muzzle. The lock along with the sideplate, trigger guard, and buttplate, all appear to be from a French Model 1728 musket. Made without a ramrod entry ferrule and the other two brass ramrod ferrules are unmatched, one of rounded and shaped brass, and the other with a series of rings often associated with trade fowlers. The fowler is stocked in straight grained maple and has classic New England form with a Roman Nose buttstock. Complete with an old wooden ramrod and a nice associated American made triangular socket bayonet that is retained by pressure only. The bayonet has a triangular 11 - 1/2" blade and a 2 - 1/8" socket. It is crudely hand-forged of iron. CONDITION: All iron components retain a dark heavy brown patina. Lock is in its original flintlock configuration, but does not hold on cock. Trigger guard tang has one break through the screw behind the bow. Stock has been cut back about 7 - 1/2" during the period of use. Stock is uncleaned and shows much original finish and patina with one chip in front of the lock and some splintering along both sides of the forend. Bayonet retains a matching dark brown patina. PROVENANCE: Purchased from William H. Guthman.
Caliber/Bore
.75 Smoothbore