(A) NEW ENGLAND FLINTLOCK FOWLER.

Probably circa 1785-1800. This New England fowler features a tapered, round 50" .54 caliber smoothbore barrel with a top flat. There is a copper notched rear sight and a brass front blade sight. The lockplate is flat and has a single line border and is stamped "KETLAND & CO" in the center. The brass furniture is all of American manufacture, including a rifle-style buttplate with a faceted tang, a two-piece sheet brass sideplate, and a trigger guard in the British style, this style was also used by well-known gunsmith Phineas Sawyer. The full-length cherry stock is of familiar New England form with a Roman nose buttstock and a beavertail carved in relief around the barrel tang. CONDITION: Untouched and as found with dark patinas overall. Barrel retains a heavily patinated, freckled surface. Lock is in its original flintlock configuration, retains a matching heavy dark patina, and functions properly, although cock goes slightly too far forward into pan. Brass furniture retains a mellowing mustard patina with some scattered marks from use. Stock shows one area of period damage on the left side of the buttstock, as well as a 27-1/2" piece of the forend which was replaced during the period of use. A very nice New England fowler with a very early and untouched appearance. Barrel Length: 50" Caliber/Bore: .54 FFL Status: Antique Manufacturer: Unknown Model: New England Fowler Serial Number: NSN