September 5-7, 2023 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/6/2023
For a similar example, see plate 153.MM on page 203 of "Battle Weapons of the American Revolution" by George C. Neumann. This fine officer's fowler certainly appears to have seen use in America, considering its state of preservation and condition. Probably about 1750. The round, smoothbore barrel is swamped at the muzzle and features a hooked breech with fluted barrel tang as rear sight and its teardrop-shaped applied front brass and silver sight. Top flat of barrel marked “F. LORD”, probably the retailer. On the opposite side, it is stamped with 2 early London Gunmaker Co proof and view marks as well as an “R.W.” for maker Richard Wilson. Francis Lord worked in Dublin, Ireland as a gunmaker and contractor to the British Board of Ordnance. He worked between 1745 and 1774. The convex lockplate is engraved with scroll designs. Walnut stock of classic Georgian form with a relief-carved shell around the barrel tang. Relief panels terminating in teardrops around the lock and sideplate. Brass mounts are chased and engraved, featuring distinct military motifs including cannons, flags, drums, and battle axes. Sideplate is especially large and dramatic, denoting ownership by an officer. The trigger guard has an etched and embossed acanthus leaf finial and a deeply fluted bow with a relief shell accent on the bow. The buttplate features a 4-stage engraved tang with vine scrolls. Vacant wrist escutcheon with floral and shell motifs. CONDITION: Barrel shows some wear and retains dark spotted patina, markings show some wear. Lock is a good professional reconversion and retains a brown patina. Mounts retain a pleasing dark mustard patina and show some wear. Stock has a smooth patina showing honest use and handling wear. Some small pieces replaced along left side of barrel and 1 thin piece along bottom of lockplate. Ramrod is a replacement. A very attractive French and Indian War and Revolutionary War Officer's weapon.
Caliber/Bore
.74 Smoothbore