Northwest Trade Gun by Parker Altered to Percussion
Item #: AA3666
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This is a black powder trade gun from the mid 1800's manufactured by Parker of London, England. These trade guns were introduced in the 18th century, and remained one of the staple trade goods with the native Americans far into the 19th century. The major difference between the early guns and the later ones is the type of ignition system used, early guns were flintlock while the later guns used percussion locks. They were used from the time period dating before the American Revolution all the way to late in the Indian Wars of the late 1800's. This trade gun is of the earlier, flintlock variant, but has been converted to a percussion ignition gun. It measures 39 1/2" overall, with a barrel length of 23 5/8"". The barrel is the typical fowling piece design, with the first 5 1/8" being octagon at the breech terminating in baluster turned "wedding band" rings, then a 2 9/16 round section ending in baluster turned rings with the remainder of the barrel being round. The smooth bore barrel gauges out at .60 caliber. There is no front or rear sight on the barrel. The barrel has an untouched mottled brown patina with two very clear proof marks on the left barrel flat at the breech end. There are no other visible stamps on the barrel. The lock plate and hammer have a matching patina of the barrel. The lock is stamped with Parker to the rear of the hammer, followed by the date of 1839 stamped vertically behind the hammer. The hammer locks in the half cock and cocked position, with the action being some what worn. The ramrod thimble and trigger guard are iron, the butt plate is brass. The side plate is made of brass, and is of the serpent or dragon design. This one has been together for a while, as all the brass has a matching soft golden patina. The barrel is retained by a single escutcheon and tang screw. The stock is a period of use cut down replacement. The barrel channels are still amazingly crisp on this old trade gun, showing only one small area of wood loss on the left side. There are no major cracks in the wood anywhere. The wooden ramrod that came with the gun looks to be a later replacement piece. This is a good representative of a percussion altered, period of use shortened and restocked mid 1800's trade gun made by Parker for export to America for the fur trade, and could have been used by trappers, mountain men or Native Americans. It has all the characteristics you want to see in a North West Trade gun, from the extra large trigger bow, serpentine side plate, to the octagon to round barrel. This is a nice piece of history that will enhance any Native American, fur trade or trapper collection.
Shipping Weight:
5 lbs
Item # AA3666
Your Price $850.00 USD
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