Help with ID on full stock fowler

[umc1984]

I recently purchased this Fowler when our local pawn shop closed. I was told it was bought in the New England area in the 1930's and brought West to Missouri to my home town.

I am looking for any information you might come up with.

It appears to be a conversion gun. The barrel is well over 40 inches long, and has a very small front sight mounted several inches from the muzzle that is kind of unusual. I have not measured the bore, but it is a little over 1/2 inch because my little finger just goes in a  little ways.

Any help would be appreciated. I've never seen a full stock smooth bore fowler type gun in this part of the country, so it is new to me.

Thanks much.




























nh4 structure

[rich pierce]

Waiting on experts but to me, it’s got a 1750-1770 English lock, might be re-stocked here given the stock styling and lack of a sideplate.

[Dave B]

It looks like it could be a trade gun. That side for the side plate maybe verniered if the light is tricking me. That front top section forward of the breach transition to the side of the fore stock along the barrel sure looks like a thin layer of wood laid over the inlet for the front lock bolt hole and side plate. Thanks for sharing the piece with us. How long is that barrel?

[umc1984]

Thanks for the comments. I see no sign that the gun has been verniered. The barrel is 47 inches.

[Hungry Horse]

The course ingraving, and rather crude furniture, suggests either a trade gun, or an American made musket, or fowler. The forestock being cut back, could indicate it saw some military service. A check of the bare section of the barrel for remnants of a bayonet lug would be a good idea.
 The front sight being set back is pretty normal, but once again, is more common on guns designed for a bayonet.

  Hungry Horse

[Ky-Flinter]

Verniered?  As in measured?

Did ya'll mean veneered? 

-Ron

[umc1984]

Yes. Veneered is what I meant. Spelling is not my best subject.