1751-1810, Unknown, Warranted, Smoothbore Percussion Fowling Piece

[smithy]

------- Current Progress -------

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We're on the brink of finishing a rewarding project, and this fowler hasn't look this good in a very long time. Dive in below to uncover the full story of its transformation!

------- Start of Recondition -------

A friend recently presented us with an old, deteriorating smoothbore fowler to recondition. Further investigation is needed, but I suspect it might be a British trade musket that was once converted to percussion ignition and later modified into a sporting gun, probably in the late 19th century.

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Initial analysis:

• Total Length and Dimensions: The musket with an overall length of 56 inches, a stock length of 28.5 inches, and a barrel length of 41 inches aligns closely with typical dimensions of British military muskets from the mid-19th century.

• Caliber: The bore measures .62 at the muzzle. This caliber is relatively common for muskets of this period, especially those used by the British army. However, it's slightly smaller than the standard .69 or .75 caliber seen in many British muskets like the Brown Bess series.

• Proof Marks: The "Crown over two crossed scepters indicating the firearm was private proof-tested for quality and safety. This suggests it was made or at least proofed in Britain during the period when percussion cap muskets were prevalent.

• Percussion Lock Plate: The "WARRANTED" marking on the lock plate is often seen on British-made or British-style firearms, indicating a form of quality assurance or manufacturer's mark. This, along with the mention of worn engravings, fits with the era when percussion systems were becoming standard, roughly from the 1830s onwards.

• The warranted lock mechanism was non-functional with multiple broken and worn internal parts including the spring and cam surface.

• Brass Hardware: The use of brass for hardware is characteristic of British muskets, particularly those made for militia or trade purposes. The modest engravings to ward off evil would also fit with this profile but appear to be most similar to other Pennsylvania examples.

• Weight: A weight of 4.9 lbs. is notably light for a musket of this size and caliber, but it has obviously been sporterized. If we assume that shortening the stock removed about 40-50% of the stock's original weight (since the stock is a major contributor to the gun's mass) and considering other potential modifications like possibly lighter hardware or a slight barrel modification. A trade gun was typically between 6 to 7 pounds compared to a 9½ pound military musket.

• The front barrel mount has been broken, and the barrel was held in place by a steel wire.

• A large chuck of stock is missing nearest the lock plate. This will need to be built back up for stability.

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This fowler features a brass #10 identification tag on the trigger guard, indicating it might have been part of a larger collection or used by a private company or militia.

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The firearm was missing a ramrod and front-most tube/guide. Internally the barrel mount used to hold with a pin was rusted and broken off and also requires repair.

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The wooden stock looks quite dry and has likely lost some of its mass, judging by its weight. We plan to strategically reinforce it to ensure it lasts another century. I must admit that I love the aged look of the wood for this stock.

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The 1853 British Enfield, along with other similar British muskets, usually did not feature a patchbox. The presence of one here indicates that this rifle was probably modified for sporting use in America at a later date. The patchbox is currently missing, and we haven't decided on a replacement yet. The cutout for the patchbox is relatively small, with a diameter of about 1.25 inches.

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[smithy]

We began by giving the barrel and lock a gentle, non-abrasive cleaning to remove surface rust, facilitating inspection and identification. Although there is some remaining surface pitting on the barrel, it doesn't seem to compromise its structural integrity. The barrel requires further inspection.

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Around 1751, the Ordnance proof house, located near the Tower of London on Tower Wharf, began testing privately manufactured civilian firearms. Numerous gunsmiths from Birmingham and other locales utilized the private proofing services at the Tower of London. Their barrels were marked with the crossed sceptre symbol, which was stamped twice.

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This service was particularly appealing because it was offered free of charge to "foreigners," or gunmakers who were not based in London and thus not subject to the membership regulations of the London Gunmakers Company. Consequently, this led to a revenue loss for the London Gunmakers Company, which eventually had to revise its pricing for proving arms. The "Private Proof" facility at the Tower for gun barrels was operational until around 1810, meaning the crossed sceptre and crown mark can be seen on civilian firearms manufactured up to that year.

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The crossed sceptres mark was widely used, which for this private proof consists of two strikes, one above the other, is commonly seen on Ketland firearm barrels. However, it is also present on London-made and other signed firearms from the 18th century, as well as on the barrels of firearms produced in Birmingham and other provincial and foreign areas during that time.

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We're not sure what the circle marks represent on the left side of the barrel nearest the tang. Additional research is required but the closet example we found is a barrel design by John Whateley (usually referred to as John Whateley "The Elder"):

Similar circle marks by John Whateley of Birmingham:

John Whateley Example

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We're uncertain about this mark, which we assume might be from an inspector. To us, it looks like the letter "T," but more research is needed for confirmation. Given the depth of the mark, it could have been made early in the firearm's production.

[smithy]

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The rust and grime has been cleared off the lock plate, yet we still haven't identified the gunsmith who originally crafted the lock mechanism. We are releasing a new research bounty looking for similar examples that matches the scrollwork, Warranted mark, and the unknown oval shaped mark above it.

If you know who made this lock, please email us at smith (at) jcastaway.com and if we can validate, we'll send you a JCastaway shirt. Thanks for the help!

For more click: Additional bounty information

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[smithy]

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Both the trigger guard and the buttplate feature identical engraved designs. The symbol looks somewhat like a dragon or lizard eye, though it might simply be a decorative motif.

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Based on our research we believe this may potentially represent a:

• Cat's Eye: An ellipse engraved mark, typically with pointed ends, was believed to protect against evil. We think this unique style might be crucial in pinpointing the gun's original maker. To be determined.

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We suspect this firearm was sporterized around the Pennsylvania area. The "Cat's Eye" symbol, while not exclusive to Pennsylvania, was indeed notably used by Pennsylvania gunsmiths, particularly those crafting the famous Pennsylvania Longrifle or "Kentucky Rifle."

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The barrel has two X's engraved on the bottom which was a common practice to ward off evil spirits, demons, and particularly hexers.

[smithy]

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We reluctantly had to do this, but it was necessary to restore the structural integrity. We reconstructed the missing sections using fiberglass and prepared the surfaces for covering with sawdust sourced from an inconspicuous part of the stock behind the buttplate with owner approval.

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[smithy]

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The tiny yet crucial broken part might have been the beginning of the end for this fowler. The "bridle" in a percussion lock mechanism serves as an essential reinforcement for the mainspring, tumbler, or sear, ensuring they do not twist or bend under stress, which could cause mechanical issues or inconsistent firing. Replacing it isn't straightforward; you're unlikely to find an exact match, but fortunately, we believe we can repair it despite the risks. We've taken numerous photos and measured the part's dimensions in case we need to fabricate a new bridle from scratch. Please handle such repairs with caution or consult a reputable gunsmith.

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Before we began repairs, the cam or arm of the bridle was broken, preventing it from engaging with the spring. We initially managed to extend the tip of the bridle using a welder (on low settings), successfully restoring its function to mount the spring and cock the mechanism. However, our confidence was short lived; when the trigger is pulled, the spring propels the hammer, but at full extension, it loses contact with the bridle, causing the spring to dismount.

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After examining it for a while, we concluded that the bridle was probably curved to match the shape of the spring, aiding in both alignment and maintaining secure contact at full extension.

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We welded a small piece of steel to form an elbow shape that aligns well with the spring. This modification looks promising and might just work.

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Success! The surfaces of the bridle and spring now fit together perfectly, restoring the lock's functionality, possibly for the first time in generations!

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[smithy]

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The tang had broken right where the screw should attach, and the piece was gone. We've learned it's best to start by roughly shaping a donor piece of steel slightly larger than needed, then drilling a hole of the correct size.

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After that, we cut the steel to fit within this hole and align the parts, rather than attempting to drill a hole into an already shaped piece or trying to drill through an uneven surface.

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We tidied up our welds and then immersed the barrel in an etching solution for a few minutes to try and blend the patinas of the two different types of steel. We're quite pleased with the result; it looks fantastic.

[smithy]

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The brass buttplate is rather thin and seems to become more brittle in some areas. The cracks wasn't big but it was in a place that flexed and the raised surface was annoying to the touch and noticeable when shoulder mounted.

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We prepared both surfaces, applied flux, and then silver-soldered the crack. With some careful, targeted sanding afterwards, the part is now more secure.

[smithy]

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Returning to our historical exploration, we've determined that the barrel of this firearm was likely crafted near the Tower of London between 1751 and 1810. But how did it make its way to America, and in what time frame might this have occurred?

The journey of a British flintlock trade fowler barrel from around 1800 to Pennsylvania would have been quite an adventure, reflecting the era's trade and transportation methods as well as the evolution of firearms technology.

Journey to Pennsylvania:

• Transportation: Such a firearm would likely have been transported via ship from England. By 1800, the transatlantic journey would have been relatively efficient compared to earlier centuries, with ships regularly traveling between British ports like Liverpool or London to American ports like Philadelphia or Baltimore.
  • For regular trade to/from these locations, a brig or a packet ship would be the most probable method of transportation.

• The journey would be fraught with risks like weather, piracy, or damage during transit, but trade routes were well-established by this time.

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• Routes: Once in America, goods would be offloaded in port cities. From there, they might travel by river (like the Delaware or Susquehanna) or by road, which could involve wagon or pack animal transport to reach inland areas like Pennsylvania.
  
  

  

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  Resale by Pennsylvania Gunsmiths:
  Upon arrival, these fowlers would be sold by merchants or directly by gunsmiths in Pennsylvania.
  
  

  

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  Gunsmiths, known for their craftsmanship, might:
  • Sell as Is: Some would keep these fowlers in their original state, selling them to those who preferred British craftsmanship or to collectors who valued authenticity.
  • Customize: Others might modify or customize these firearms to suit local tastes or practical needs, which could involve aesthetic enhancements or functional adjustments like fitting a new stock or adjusting the lock.
  • In this example we believe the gunsmith customized around the barrel.
  Potential Buyers:
  • Hunters and Frontiersmen: These fowlers would be appealing to hunters due to their large caliber, suitable for various game. The smoothbore design was versatile for both shot and ball.

  

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  • Farmers and Settlers: For personal defense and hunting, settlers in Pennsylvania would find these firearms practical.
  • Traders: Indian traders might purchase these for trade with Native American tribes, who had a demand for such firearms.
  • Militiamen: Before and during the War of 1812, militiamen might also have been potential buyers.
  Conversion to Percussion:
  • Timing: The conversion from flintlock to percussion would likely have occurred in the 1830s to 1850s. The percussion cap system was widely adopted after its invention in the early 19th century, with many flintlock firearms being converted for improved reliability and ease of use.

  

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  • Gunsmith Role: Pennsylvania, being a hub for gunmaking, would have had gunsmiths skilled in such conversions, offering this service to update older firearms.
  Sporterization:
  • When: Sporterization, or shortening the stock for better handling, might have happened anytime from the mid-19th century onwards, particularly as hunting practices evolved or if the gun was repurposed for different uses like target shooting.
  • Purpose: Shortening the stock would make the fowler more maneuverable, particularly in dense woods or for quick-draw scenarios, reducing the overall length for ease of carry and use.

[smithy]

Let's continue our reconditioning journey by addressing the issues with the wood stock.

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The simplest problem to tackle first is the wood degradation around the butt plate due to wear over time. As the wood gets stressed and dries out, it eventually breaks down.

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Our recommended solution is to reinforce the area with fiberglass, lubricate the butt plate and screws, assemble the parts, and then disassemble them just as the fiberglass begins to harden, allowing it to cure completely.

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As the fiberglass sets, our attention shifts to the area where a brass patch box used to be, an issue that has lingered in our minds since we started this project. The original patch box that was installed when the firearm was sporterized is no longer present, and we've struggled to find similar historical examples around 1.25 inches in diameter. Although there are numerous brass reproduction patch boxes available from manufacturers like Investarms or Thompson Center for guns like the Hawken, none match the size we need, and installing them would require additional, incorrect modifications to the stock. Opting not to compromise the authenticity with an obvious mismatched part, we've decided to craft our own custom patchbox cover mechanism.

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We found some brass plating from old altar candle holders we had previously repurposed. These plates have a slight curve, an already engraved pattern, and are authentically aged, which we believe enhances their appearance. We cut a preliminary round cap from this material and sanded it to fit seamlessly into the original cutout.

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We usually need three or four tries to get things right, so we're cautiously optimistic that this first attempt will turn out well. The challenge now is figuring out how to incorporate a spring hinge to keep the cover securely closed.