Early Trade Gun

[Robert Wolfe]

Here is one that I just finished; feel free to critique. I started it at the Southern Ohio Artisans Gun Building Workshop this winter with Ian Pratt, Ken Gahagan, and Eric von Aschwege. The inspiration was a 1730’s trade gun shown in “The Encyclopedia of Trade Goods: Firearms of the Fur Trade.” The original was stocked in curly ash but I couldn’t find any so used curly maple. I’m not sure if the original is a period restock or came from England with the ash stock. I used a lock from Rifle Shoppe that is a pretty close match to the original. The barrel is a 41 inch 20 gauge “Dolep” from Rice. I think the original had a 36 or 38 inch barrel. The rest of the hardware (buttplate, sideplate, trigger guard, ramrod pipes) I made. I also did the engraving which is my first attempt. I was happy with the sideplate but the buttplate could have been better. Fortunately trade guns often had pretty crude engraving so I’m in good company! It’s a pretty light piece coming in at about 6 pounds. Could have been lighter but I gave it a pretty fat butt.

[Jim Kibler]

That is really nice!   The earlier 17th century flavor still evident is wonderful.

[rich pierce]

I like what you’re doing with aging as you re-create specific originals. Did you assemble the lock or have it made? It’s a good choice. I think the top jaw which rides a “rail” on the cock is needed on a trade gun like this. It’s also a good functional feature but not seen on many “above trade gun quality” locks.

Tang retaining bolt from the bottom? Nice. No trigger plate, consequently. Did you make the buttplate? I like the rounding off of the edges.

What does it weigh?

[Robert Wolfe]

Rich, about 6 pounds.

[rich pierce]

Rich, about 6 pounds.

Probably points like a magic wand at that weight and length. I find some guns move where I’m looking as though we are in it together. I call them “magic wands”

[Robert Wolfe]

Rich, about 6 pounds.

Probably points like a magic wand at that weight and length. I find some guns move where I’m looking as though we are in it together. I call them “magic wands”

Yes, it is very "handy" feeling. Moves very quickly.

[Robert Wolfe]

Rich - The lock was put together by Rifle Shoppe. I called to get the parts and they had one already made so I took it. I too like the top jaw wrapping around the cock. I made the buttplate from sheet brass filling out the edges to thin them down. I'm a fan of the tang bolt from the bottom up for these earlier guns. Just a neat detail. Thanks for noticing!

[Clark Badgett]

It looks absolutely wonderful. Is that the TRS early trade lock (708)?

[Robert Wolfe]

Yes, Rifle Shoppe #708 Early Trade Lock. Unbridled internally - dead simple. Sparks very well. A good looking lock.

[smylee grouch]

Nice.  Good fabrication and execution! I like it. 👌👍

[wattlebuster]

I like it

[B.Habermehl]

I like it. I allways was a sucker for a well executed trade gun, having fallen in love with the Williamsburg Bumford gun. After handling a couple original guns I think your engraving is just fine, in execution for this type of gun. I hope you and this gun are friends for a long time to come. BJH

[Cory Joe Stewart]

That is awesome.  These early trade guns are becoming my favorite to focus on. 

Cory Joe

[David Rase]

Robert, Very nice as usual.
David

[ColonialRifleSmith]

Excellent Trade Gun, Robert. I've built several locks from 'The Rifle Shoppe'. I've also built 2 from 'Upper Missouri Trading Co' and several from 'Chris Hursch - Antique Gun Parts/Castings.' Production locks have gotten too expensive for me. For less than half the price of a production lock, $100.00 to $150.00, these locks are excellent for building a historically accurate gun. They're not as difficult to assemble as one might think. UMMMM, except the wheel lock. I put one of those together for a guy. That was difficult.

[Ian Pratt]

Robert - another one very well done, congratulations! I know we're always our own worst critics but to my eye your engraving is spot on. Too precise can just look wrong on a trade gun. 

It would be really cool to see a display of some of your work set up at at one of the shows - you've developed a neat style and have done some very creative work  Your 2 guns at the Lake Cumberland show got a lot of attention!

[RedOneFive]

Beautiful piece!

[DaveL]

Really love your work on these trade guns Robert!

Cool to see it done

Dave

[Robert Wolfe]

Thanks all, I appreciate the comments.

[Doug Frank]

Very nice work.  As several have said, I also like these early guns, so they are great to see.

Doug