My restoration project

[DaveM]

This is the largest restoration project I've attempted to date.  See "before" photo below.  It looked like a challenge, so I took a shot at it.  Still a few minor details to address but close to done.  A reputable european source is certain the gun is french and from around 1750, and that seems reasonable to me.  He also thought that the hooked breach may be how it was originally made -  I could not say from my own experience.   Thought you may all enjoy the photos.
Dave

[Fullstock longrifle]

Nice job Dave!  I like the fact that you were able to take a very nice gun that obviously had the forearm shortened in it's more recent life, and bring it back to an attractive, displayable piece.  The work was conservatively done, and by posting it here with the before and after pictures, your not trying to fool anybody.  

Frank

[Steve Collward]

Dave:  Regarding the finish used on the stock, could you share what you used?  It looks very nice.
sc
 

[DaveM]

Frank and Steve, thank you for your compliments.  Steve, for the finish, I did not refinish the existing portion of the stock.  Although it was extremely washed out in color, it still had a glossy original finish.  I used a medium / dark stain on the new portion, with a number of applications using 0000 steel wool in between applications to mirror the finish of the existing part.  But I kept the stain light so it matched the existing fairly closely.  Then I did several applications of quality brown shoe polish over the entire gun, new and old stock.  Shoe polish being a simple mix of hard wax and dye.  Rubbing it in and letting it dry, it gets rock hard and created a beautiful tone without any new stain or refinishing.  I am afraid I may get flack from the guys here for this!

I am considering a high quality reconversion for this gun.  Frankly this goes against everything I have believed in before, as I do believe in preserving the entire history of a piece.  But I think it would be a tremendous improvement to the look.  I would invite any opinions from those much more experienced and skilled than me - I would have a pro do that if I proceed.  and any thoughts on whether this particular barrel and lock would be difficult to do.

Also if there are others knowledgeable about early french fowlers or fusils I would love to know more about this gun.  Do you think this is a "fusil"?  Is that different from a fowler?  Thanks again
Dave   

[Dphariss]

Very well done conversion I would leave it alone.

Dan

[TPH]

Very well done conversion I would leave it alone.

Dan

I absolutely agree with Dan. A "re-conversion" would require not only obtrusive work on the lock (well done period work btw) but you would have to make a new breach section for the barrel; simply grinding off the percussion bolster would be difficult and highly obvious.

The work you have done so far is fine, please go no further.

[Longknife]

Dave, most sources define Fusil as a "light French musket". Any French smoothbore that is not  a large caliber heavy musket could be considered a fusil.  There are many types of fusils, as a fusil de chasse, (fusil for the chase or hunt, these are usually plain and un adorned). Fusil fin, (a fine fusil, but you could also have a "fusil fin de chasse" or a fine hunting fusil).  a fusil St Etienne would be simply a "light musket made at St Etienne" but you could also have a "fusil fin de chase St. Etienne", that would be a fine hunting fusil made a St Etienne...WHEW!!!!! It is also used today to describe modern firearms as in fusil de chasse Beretta, ( a Baretta hunting shotgun),  fusil de asalto, (an Assult rifle) etc...
Yes, your "light french musket" is definately a fusil,   and the English counterpart is "fowler".....Ed

[DaveM]

T. P. / Dan - your thoughts are very helpful, thanks I'll likely keep the ignition as-is.  Ed, thanks so much for the excellent summary of terms and various models- these terms have often confused me.  This really helps clarify things.  The gun shoulders and handles very lightly, surprisingly so, given it has a huge 1-1/4 inch barrel breach and 2-1/16 inch butt plate.  It appears the gun originally had sling swivels - here is a photo of the hole for the rear swivel - it looks like they may have been on the gun when the gun was made because the rear swivel also included a pin, and the pin holes look in alignment with the trigger guard holes forward of them.  So not sure where this fits into the picture of the fusils, but maybe had some military usage. 

If anyone has photos of similar french fusil fins from this era, I'd love to see some photos of other originals or accurate reproductions!

[Steve Collward]

Dave:  I would agree with those that are advising not to re-convert. I think the lock looks fine the way it is.  If I have posted the attached picture correctly, you will see a French pistol with a lock/hammer conversion to percussion, similar to your piece.  sc