October 30, 2019 The Collection of Steve & Marcy Hench
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/30/2019
This early fowler features a French two-stage smoothbore barrel with indistict French marking on left side near the breech. The early lockplate has been converted to percussion during the period of use and is marked "Antoine Robert" in script in the center, it is engraved with double anchors as well. The tail is decorated with an engraved shell design. The iron mounted furniture is French and includes a scroll engraved "cloud"-style sideplate. The triggerguard features a double anchor and shows traces of engraved designs. Plain round ramrod ferrules and buttplate tang decorated with scrolls and shell designs. Relief convex oval-shaped silver wrist escutcheon in the New England style engraved with shell designs at top and bottom. Full length cherry stock of classic New England form showing French influence with Roman nose and wrist extending into buttstock. Relief teardrop carved around barrel tang. Complete with period, slightly short ramrod. CONDITION: Attic condition, completely untouched and "as found". Barrel, lock, and furniture retain a heavy brown patina, showing some wear. Lock needs adjustment and does not function. Stock retains much original finish with scattered areas of losses to finish, wear, and heavy patina. Some losses along barrel on forend on both sides. A fine, early and rare double-anchor fowler in untouched condition with very attractive architecture. PROVENANCE: Found in New Hampshire by a modern gun dealer west of Portland. Steve bought this as a "walk in" at the 2016 Sturbridge Antique Arms show.
Caliber/Bore
.69 Smoothbore
Manufacturer
French/New England