3561 CIRCA 1840 PERCUSSION BRITISH TRADE GUN.

Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 400.00 USD
Estimated at 800.00 - 1,200.00 USD
Cal. .53 caliber smoothbore. NSN. 50.25" overall. 36" octagonal smoothbore barrel. Pictured and described on pages 62-63 of "The Fur Trade", author Milton Von Damm: "This is a rifle pattern that was made for the Canadian fur trade market by Edward London who made guns between 1828 and 1850. Flintlock versions with full stocks and longer barrels would have been just the type carried by the British HBC fur trade Brigades in the Snake River Trapping Territories from 1824 to 1832. The hard use indicated by its condition suggests frontier ownership, possibly by a trapper. The style of the stock and the rectangle "Baker" patchbox is emblematic of the English fur trade rifle. This rifle has a trigger guard with a hole for a sling, a desirable feature for a trapper. It is likely that the percussion lock is not original to the gun. The gun maker did not make guns for the HBC. The London Twist octagon barrel is marked E LONDON GUN & RIFLE MAKER 51 LONDON WALL, LONDON, has a hook breakdown breech. There are London Gun makers and Ordnance proof marks on the lower flat. The lock is marked MOORE and is smaller than the original. There is no sideplate and the single bolt holding the lock had to be counter sunk into the stock to make it fit. The furniture is brass and is profusely engraved with animals and a skull and crossbones on the breech tang assembly." CONDITION: good to very good. PROVENANCE: Lifelong Collection of author Milton Von Damm. (01-24781/JS). ANTIQUE: $800-1,200.