Author Topic: Longest Fowler  (Read 6980 times)

Offline Seth Isaacson

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Longest Fowler
« on: November 14, 2016, 09:02:28 PM »
What is the longest piece you've seen?

I just finished looking at an early 18th century Dutch gun with a 111 inch long barrel, a 78 caliber smooth bore, 126 inch overall length, and slightly ornate furniture without engraving. At first glance I assumed it was going to be a wall gun; however; it's bore is fairly small for that purpose, and it has no evidence of a hook or swivel for firing from a wall. The other wall guns I've seen have also had plain military style side plates. Obviously this beast couldn't have been fired off-hand. I can't get pictures of it, but the lock is signed by Filippe de Selier of Liege (active around the 1690s-1720).
I am the Lead Historian and a Firearms Specialist at Rock Island Auction Co., but I am here out of my own personal interests in muzzle loading and history.
*All opinions expressed are mine alone and are NOT meant to represent those of any other entity unless otherwise expressly stated.*

Offline Shreckmeister

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Re: Longest Fowler
« Reply #1 on: November 14, 2016, 10:30:17 PM »
I saw a flint fowler, Berks County, with an 78 inch barrel that went from Oct to round to Oct.  Nothing like what you
are describing.
Rightful liberty is unobstructed action according to our will within limits drawn around us by the equal rights of others. I do not add 'within the limits of the law' because law is often but the tyrant's will, and always so when it violates the rights of the individual.

Offline Seth Isaacson

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Re: Longest Fowler
« Reply #2 on: November 14, 2016, 10:53:01 PM »
78 inches still seems excessive. That barrel shape combination must have been cumbersome to make. This gun's barrel is in the typical round musket style.
I am the Lead Historian and a Firearms Specialist at Rock Island Auction Co., but I am here out of my own personal interests in muzzle loading and history.
*All opinions expressed are mine alone and are NOT meant to represent those of any other entity unless otherwise expressly stated.*

Offline Shreckmeister

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Re: Longest Fowler
« Reply #3 on: November 14, 2016, 11:10:28 PM »
Only pictures I can find of it.

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« Last Edit: November 14, 2016, 11:12:02 PM by Shreckmeister »
Rightful liberty is unobstructed action according to our will within limits drawn around us by the equal rights of others. I do not add 'within the limits of the law' because law is often but the tyrant's will, and always so when it violates the rights of the individual.

Offline Tim Crosby

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Re: Longest Fowler
« Reply #4 on: November 17, 2016, 05:19:33 PM »
 This was posted by "Feltwad" in another Thread by mistake. TC

Enclosed is a image of a 2 bore flintlock Bank Gun used in the sand dunes or on the see wall to shoot waders and fowl along the shoreline on the incoming tide.
Feltwad

Offline Seth Isaacson

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Re: Longest Fowler
« Reply #5 on: November 17, 2016, 06:22:16 PM »
That is a hefty looking and attractive gun. Dog lock?
I am the Lead Historian and a Firearms Specialist at Rock Island Auction Co., but I am here out of my own personal interests in muzzle loading and history.
*All opinions expressed are mine alone and are NOT meant to represent those of any other entity unless otherwise expressly stated.*

Offline Mike Brooks

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Re: Longest Fowler
« Reply #6 on: November 17, 2016, 08:01:40 PM »
That is a hefty looking and attractive gun. Dog lock?
Looks like it, but I don't believe it's an early gun, although I may be wrong....
NEW WEBSITE! www.mikebrooksflintlocks.com
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Online JTR

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Re: Longest Fowler
« Reply #7 on: November 17, 2016, 08:15:14 PM »
That is a hefty looking and attractive gun. Dog lock?
Looks like it, but I don't believe it's an early gun, although I may be wrong....

I think its one he restored back to brand new condition..
John
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Offline Feltwad

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Re: Longest Fowler
« Reply #8 on: November 17, 2016, 08:25:17 PM »
That is a hefty looking and attractive gun. Dog lock?
Looks like it, but I don't believe it's an early gun, although I may be wrong....

I think its one he restored back to brand new condition..
John
This Bank gun is by Henry Blyth 1710-1750 Restored in the 1970,s  restocked and  taken from the original stock which was to far gone with woodworm a new cock and frizzen fitted
Feltwad

Offline smokinbuck

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Re: Longest Fowler
« Reply #9 on: November 18, 2016, 03:51:28 AM »
I have a 72" barreled full stock fowler in 20 bore. Overall length is 7'4" and weight is at 11#. Have a shooting stick because it is awkward but have shot it offhand.
Mark
Mark

Offline Seth Isaacson

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Re: Longest Fowler
« Reply #10 on: November 18, 2016, 05:09:51 PM »
Do you find that the extra long barrel actually helps your patterns and hunting much? It seems to me for most purposes the length would be less practical and manageable.
I am the Lead Historian and a Firearms Specialist at Rock Island Auction Co., but I am here out of my own personal interests in muzzle loading and history.
*All opinions expressed are mine alone and are NOT meant to represent those of any other entity unless otherwise expressly stated.*

Offline D. Taylor Sapergia

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Re: Longest Fowler
« Reply #11 on: November 18, 2016, 09:08:11 PM »
A barrel that is 12" longer than another barrel will make your pattern tighter 12" further out than the shorter one.
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Offline Seth Isaacson

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Re: Longest Fowler
« Reply #12 on: November 18, 2016, 10:45:56 PM »
A barrel that is 12" longer than another barrel will make your pattern tighter 12" further out than the shorter one.

 ;D I knew that was the case with modern guns, but I didn't know if the shot with black powder also stabilized fairly quickly and is dictated primarily by the choke since the propelant does not burn nearly as fast.
I am the Lead Historian and a Firearms Specialist at Rock Island Auction Co., but I am here out of my own personal interests in muzzle loading and history.
*All opinions expressed are mine alone and are NOT meant to represent those of any other entity unless otherwise expressly stated.*

Offline smokinbuck

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Re: Longest Fowler
« Reply #13 on: November 19, 2016, 04:09:40 AM »
As for shooting, I've only fired RB out of it so can't speak to patterns. As for hunting, you've got to be a little bit nuts to try and lug a 72" barreled gun through the woods or take a passing shot at birds. Shooting sitting ducks from a punt, or canoe, might be a different story.
Mark
Mark

Offline Feltwad

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Re: Longest Fowler
« Reply #14 on: November 19, 2016, 12:33:32 PM »
Enclosed  is a image of two Fowlers the top one is a bank gun  the bottom one is a small punt gun
Feltwad