John Potter lock (Pictures added)

[debnal]

I just got a Worcester/Sutton Rev War fowler dated 1775 with a lock on it that is signed in script John Potter. I can't find anything on him in my books. Can someone help?
Al

[rich pierce]

Unfair! 15 yard penalty for false start (no pictures)!

Wish I could help. I’ve not invested in reference books listing gunsmiths. But there is this. https://bourgeaulthoranauctions.com/product/american-revolutionary-war-period-full-stock-fowler-54-1-4-inch-barrel-with-original-john-potter-lock-converted-to-percussion-escutcheon-engraved-william-ayres-1775/

[debnal]

Here are some pictures.
Al

[rich pierce]

Wow! Terrific gun. The lock does not look English to me; more home-grown. I hope some others have information on John Potter.

[louieparker]

Al...... Thats one cool gun,,,,,,LP

[debnal]

The reason I posted this, is that I believe that John Potter was the maker of this fowler. In Tom Grinslade's book I found no less than 12 different maker signed New England fowlers that were signed on the lock. All of these had English names and virtually all the locks were like mine. It appears that in Mass circa the Rev War, gunmakers signed their guns on the lock instead of the top of the barrel. I believe my gun was made by John Potter, a previously unknown gunsmith. i was hoping someone had seen another gun marked like mine.
I did find a man named John Potter in Worcester, Mass who was listed as a blacksmith, goldsmith, silversmith, cabinet maker, instrument maker. He could have been the man who made this gun. Seems like he could make anything!
Al

[Fullstock longrifle]

Very nice fowler Al, congratulations!

[bp]

Very Interesting.  Had folks in MA during that time. Would like to see more.

[WESTbury]

Hopefully, Joe Puleo will see this thread and weigh in on the lock and Mr. Potter.

[debnal]

I have done a little more research on the John Potter I mentioned in a previous note. He was from N. Brookfield, Mass and was considered to be a Renaissance man. He was Master of the following trades: Goldsmith, silversmith, clock and watch maker, cabinet maker, blacksmith, carpenter, cooper, and surveyor. He surly was a Renaissance Man! He made a surveyor's instrument that brought almost $6500 at Chrisitie's auction. He was known as Captain Potter and served in the Rev War and was at Valley Forge. I don't know if he was the gunsmith of this fowler but he certainly is a very good candidate.
Al

[debnal]

The John Potter I mentioned in the previous posting lived in North Brookfield, Mass during the Rev War. William Ayes (name in thumbpiece) lived in Brookfield, Mass during the Rev War. Almost too good to be coincidental.
Al

[WESTbury]

Ayers is a common name in that part of Mass. There is a town called Ayer not very far from Brookfield. Perhaps just a coincidence.

[flembo]

I would look up the name William Ayes as well you may find some interesting Rev. War info on him.

[flembo]

I looked at the thumb piece and the name is spelled Ayres. not Ayes.

[debnal]

I looked at the thumb piece and the name is spelled Ayres. not Ayes.

Very good eye. I hadn't noticed that before.
Al

[Avlrc]

Al, that is a great piece you found.   I especially like the finials on the , trigger guard & the butt plate tang.
The carving on the gun is wonderful.  Congratulations.