September 29, 2021 The Bill Myers Collection
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/29/2021
This early 18th century New York fowler dates as early as 1715-1720 and is stocked in the Dutch fashion. It is featured on page 61 of "Accouterments V" by James R. Johnston. The early three stage barrel has a faceted breech section and is unmarked. The early convex faced banana lockplate is signed "J/WILLIAMS" in the center and features an unbridled pan. John Williams worked in London and was active between 1714 and 1720. The Dutch style brass furniture includes a pierced and un-engraved scroll sideplate cast in New York. The shaped and engraved 6-3/4" buttplate tang features floral decoration. The heavy cast brass trigger guard terminates at both ends with arrows. Ramrod ferrules are multi ringed. The highly figured tiger maple stock has early Dutch form and is extensively relief carved. There are relief acanthus leaf designs around the barrel tang, lock, sideplate, on front and back of trigger guard, and behind ramrod entry ferrule. Stock has a bulge at the ramrod entry ferrule. There are also shaped relief carved designs along the back half off the forend. On the right side of the buttstock, there is a large "SVR" carved into the stock. According to an accompanying letter by Wes White, this fowler was attributed to having been owned by Stephen Van Rensselaer II, who was a descendent of the founder of the Colony of New York in 1640. Complete with a wooden ramrod. CONDITION: Barrel retains a heavy dark brown patina. Lock retains a matching dark patina and markings are very good. Lock is in its original flintlock configuration and cock mechanism is strong. Frizzen spring is bent and frizzen flops freely. Most of stock retains a dark original surface. The front 35" of forestock have been restored and the front three ramrod ferrules are replacements. There are scattered grain cracks, marks from use, and small chips, especially around lockplate. A couple slivers replaced along barrel on back original portion of forestock. There is also a small chip missing on comb, where it meets the wrist. A very historic, important, early and attractive Hudson Valley Fowler. DMG
Caliber/Bore
.80 Smoothbore