AmericanLongRifles Forums
General discussion => Antique Gun Collecting => Topic started by: Avlrc on September 22, 2020, 10:34:56 PM
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This lock is in a New England Fowler. I know some NE makers signed their locks. Has anyone ever seen this signature on a lock before & who is the maker. I know the cock is a replacement, not sure about the pan & frizzen. Trying to find out the maker of the lock plate. I think the first letter is a T, but could be a J , the second letter is obviously a W, Thanks
(https://i.ibb.co/NWv1fGx/20200922-150418-resized.jpg) (https://ibb.co/WBhD7Rn)
(https://i.ibb.co/8ry66g0/20200922-150437-resized.jpg) (https://ibb.co/48bPPR7)
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It is possible that some owner engraved his initials on the lockplate. I'm guessing it is a British trade lock. The two screws showing behind the cock may indicate late 18th century at the earliest. Have you dismounted the barrel to see if there are any telltale markings on the bottom?
Any photos of the balance of the fowler?
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You may be correct. I was hoping that was an American made lock. There are no other marking on the lock or barrel. The trigger guard has an acorn finial, that is a English thing. American made fowler with English parts. Cherry Stocked. Haven't taken barrel out yet, will do that. Thanks.
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Cherry stocks are nice. What can be seen of the triggerguard, in your first two photos, looks good.
Maybe Joe Puleo can weigh in on this lock.
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took barrel out , no markings, no marking on lock anywhere. oct to round 40 inch barrel. flat on top of barrel to sight. .50 bore at muzzle. lightweight 6 pounds.
(https://i.ibb.co/bXXMwff/20200924-151131-resized.jpg) (https://ibb.co/CQQ3Crr)
(https://i.ibb.co/T8km589/20200924-151159-resized-1.jpg) (https://ibb.co/cF1DdF4)
(https://i.ibb.co/PxG34gF/20200924-151241-resized.jpg) (https://ibb.co/4WR9MpK)
(https://i.ibb.co/wdbXczV/20200924-153411-resized.jpg) (https://ibb.co/6ypxXWz)
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A beautiful NE gun! It has all the bells and whistles and appears to be a late 1700s gun; perhaps barely into the 1800s. It has an early lock much like the English round faced locks popular in the late Colonial era into the Rev War Period. I can't see any carving, but then they never had much anyway, usually at the rear of the barrel tang. These guns would be a delight to take into field or forest. Light and they aim very well. Good on you for finding it and thank you for showing it here so that we can all admire it.
Dick
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Congratulations, you've hit the jackpot with this fowler. Very classic N.E. lines, great triggerguard and buttplate. I hope one day to find one as nice.
Thank-you for sharing your fowler with all of us.
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Thanks Dick & WESTbury...
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Interesting mix of French styling and English style or origin parts. If Eric Von A and Smart Dog get a look they may be able to add to suggestions of an area of origin and dates.
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I always enjoy these New England fowlers. Thank's for posting .
Any chance there's a picture of the lock bolt plate?
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I took the liberty. No plate but two diamond shaped washers.
(https://i.ibb.co/Z10yTJg/20200924-153411-A.jpg) (https://imgbb.com/)
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I always enjoy these New England fowlers. Thank's for posting .
Any chance there's a picture of the lock bolt plate?
It is not very nice, just two ugly diamond shaped brass washers, didn't want to show those off, LOL... They may be later additions , it probably did not have any sideplate.
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Fixed quote, Dennis
It is not very nice, just two ugly diamond shaped brass washers, didn't want to show those off, LOL... They may be later additions , it probably did not have any sideplate.
I think they are pretty cool.
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It is what it is :),
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This gun is New England practical like some of the Southern guns. The beauty is in the form. This one has good lines.
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This gun is New England practical like some of the Southern guns. The beauty is in the form. This one has good lines.
I agree, Elegance without embellishment.