Author Topic: John Potter lock (Pictures added)  (Read 2192 times)

Offline debnal

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John Potter lock (Pictures added)
« on: January 12, 2021, 03:52:30 AM »
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
« Last Edit: January 12, 2021, 11:14:34 PM by debnal »

Offline rich pierce

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Re: John Potter lock
« Reply #1 on: January 12, 2021, 06:19:10 AM »
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/
« Last Edit: January 12, 2021, 06:22:37 AM by rich pierce »
Andover, Vermont

Offline debnal

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Re: John Potter lock
« Reply #2 on: January 12, 2021, 06:27:31 AM »
Here are some pictures.
Al


























Offline rich pierce

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Re: John Potter lock
« Reply #3 on: January 12, 2021, 07:06:19 AM »
Wow! Terrific gun. The lock does not look English to me; more home-grown. I hope some others have information on John Potter.
Andover, Vermont

Offline louieparker

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Re: John Potter lock
« Reply #4 on: January 12, 2021, 06:02:29 PM »
Al...... Thats one cool gun,,,,,,LP

Offline debnal

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Re: John Potter lock
« Reply #5 on: January 12, 2021, 06:08:25 PM »
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

Offline Fullstock longrifle

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Re: John Potter lock (Pictures added)
« Reply #6 on: January 13, 2021, 01:46:38 AM »
Very nice fowler Al, congratulations!

Offline bp

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Re: John Potter lock (Pictures added)
« Reply #7 on: January 13, 2021, 04:03:50 AM »
Very Interesting.  Had folks in MA during that time. Would like to see more.

Offline WESTbury

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Re: John Potter lock (Pictures added)
« Reply #8 on: January 13, 2021, 06:05:41 AM »
Hopefully, Joe Puleo will see this thread and weigh in on the lock and Mr. Potter.
"We are not about to send American Boys 9 to 10 thousand miles away from home to do what Asian Boys ought to be doing for themselves."
President Lyndon B. Johnson October 21, 1964

Offline debnal

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Re: John Potter lock (Pictures added)
« Reply #9 on: January 13, 2021, 07:38:27 PM »
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

Offline debnal

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Re: John Potter lock (Pictures added)
« Reply #10 on: January 14, 2021, 01:39:54 AM »
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

Offline WESTbury

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Re: John Potter lock (Pictures added)
« Reply #11 on: January 14, 2021, 06:04:51 AM »
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.
"We are not about to send American Boys 9 to 10 thousand miles away from home to do what Asian Boys ought to be doing for themselves."
President Lyndon B. Johnson October 21, 1964

Offline flembo

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Re: John Potter lock (Pictures added)
« Reply #12 on: January 14, 2021, 10:54:19 PM »
I would look up the name William Ayes as well you may find some interesting Rev. War info on him.

Offline flembo

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Re: John Potter lock (Pictures added)
« Reply #13 on: January 14, 2021, 10:57:18 PM »
I looked at the thumb piece and the name is spelled Ayres. not Ayes.

Offline debnal

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Re: John Potter lock (Pictures added)
« Reply #14 on: January 14, 2021, 11:57:25 PM »
I looked at the thumb piece and the name is spelled Ayres. not Ayes.
Very good eye. I hadn't noticed that before.
Al

Offline Avlrc

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Re: John Potter lock (Pictures added)
« Reply #15 on: January 15, 2021, 07:04:08 PM »
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.