Fine Vintage French Fowler/Trade Gun C.1730s-1740s Possible North American Indian Association
Guns International #: 103160407 Seller's Inventory #: MM
Category: Antique Rifles - Flintlock - Antique Rifles - 1500-1850

Seller's Information
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Verified Seller
Seller: lope
Company: Hansen & Hansen Arms & Antiquities
Member Since: 1/28/11
State: Connecticut
Country: United States
Premium Seller
Seller: FFL Dealer
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
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Payment Types Accepted: Credit Card, Bank Check, Money Order, Personal Check

About Us: We are Tom LoPiano and John R. (Jay) Hansen Jr. owners of Hansen & Hansen Arms & Antiquities. We specialize in fine and unusual collectible firearms and military items of all types and time periods. Modern firearms, Curio & Relic and antique. Civil War a specialty as well as German lugers. From flintlock arms and edged weapons of the Revolutionary war to arms manufactured in the present- we actively buy and sell all firearms related collectibles, documents and autographs, photographs, uniforms, old newspapers, collectible ammunition, swords, decoys, etc. Retail shop open to public for buyers as well as customers who wish to sell. Appraisals for estates conducted for a fee. Free verbal appraisals to all visitors.


Description:
Fine Vintage French Fowler/Trade Gun C.1730s-1740s
Offered here for sale and just acquired from a local estate is a wonderful vintage french fowler/trade gun circa 1730s-1740s with potentially some native American association as trade gun. The very long specimen measures approximately 68" with a VERY LONG 52" barrel. Approximate .70 caliber. It appears to have been restocked in the late 1780s to early 1800s. The fowler does not carry any outward markings on lockplate or barrel but has disctinctive shaped of brass buttplate with an arrow shaped heel. It also has an inlaid German silver engraved inlay in the wrist which is in the shape of a "cock's" head or a game animal. The fowler has undergone several contemporary repairs/restocks contemporary to the period. The brass buttplate has two nail repairs in buttplate . Crack in right side of buttstock with a sliver done long ago which we feel does not detract. Minor cracks left side of stock oppoisite lock. Some rough spots to wood or restoration fill mid stock right side as well as repair forward of muzzle end right side of stock. Replaced ramrod looks period. Flintlock action original and functioning well. Pinned barrel and early curled trigger. Certainly pieces as early as this are usually found with shortened stocks or barrels and are just not found in any condition. This is ORIGINAL length and perfect for display "as is" with no further repair or restoration. This vintage French fowler/trade gun from the 1730s–1740s is a rare and desirable example of an early long gun in near-original condition—especially given its full-length 68-inch profile with a 52-inch barrel, and impressive in its full length.
Key Features of this is its origin likely French, dating to the 1730s–1740s, which would place it in the period of New France and early colonial trade in North America. French fowlers were commonly used in both civilian hunting and trade with Native Americans.  Approximately .70 caliber. The barrel is 52 inches, pinned (not screwed), typical of early 18th-century construction. The length suggests this was intended for smoothbore shooting at birds or small game—hence “fowler.”
The specimen appears to have been restocked in the late 1780s to early 1800s, showing continued use and relevance. Restocking was common with long-use firearms. Brass buttplate with an arrow-shaped heel—a distinctive design, possibly regional (common in Normandy or Brittany patterns). A German silver inlay at the wrist, shaped like a cock’s head or game animal—a highly decorative and symbolic motif, possibly indicating ownership by a skilled hunter or person of some means.
The lock - Flintlock, original and functioning—rare for pieces of this age. Curled/serpentine early trigger, typical of early 18th-century flintlocks.
Condition:
    • Several period repairs, including nail repairs to the buttplate and filled cracks.
    • Minor restoration in the forestock and buttstock.
    • Ramrod appears to be a period replacement,which fits well.
This firearm sits squarely in a transitional period. Pre-1750s French colonial arms were often made lighter than British guns and were highly favored in the fur trade for their balance and adaptability. Trade guns were sometimes tailored with inlays or distinctive designs to appeal to indigenous buyers or to denote a gun’s prestige or ownership. The lack of markings is not unusual—many French fowlers and fusils de chasse did not carry proof marks or were unmarked if made by provincial gunsmiths or for private purchase.
The unaltered full-length barrel and stock is highly unusual. Many surviving examples were shortened during the 19th century for reuse or modernization. In its current state—original, unrepaired action, and period repairs—it offers an authentic representation of an 18th-century firearm that saw real use. Ideal for museum or collection display "as-is", without modern restoration that might compromise its story.
 Thanks for your bid. Shipping for this item we can only estimate based upon its great length. Perspective buyers should contact us first with area of country so we may calculate UPS cost.  Handling is $18.00 for longarms only.   We gladly accept money order , bank checks and personal checks. Credit card orders (VISA AND MASTER CARD ONLY) charged 3.95% additional for use.
PLEASE CALL DALIA AT 203-257-5256 TO GIVE CREDIT CARD INFORMATION. Also, please view our at hansenguns. Click on "Online Catalog" and see All OF OUR ITEMS LISTED CONSECUTIVELY on or search online on that site with the ID “lope”...... OFFERED ONLINE AND AVAILABLE IN OUR RETAIL GALLERY IN SOUTHPORT, CT. Visit us also on Facebook at ://facebook/hansenguns/?fref=ts. We also own and/or operate Hansen Cartridge Co. and the Ruger Collectors Assc.(RCA). Hansen & Hansen wishes to expedite each order received, however we ship 80-100 items weekly, therefore orders paid by money orders or bank checks are cleared for shipping 5-7 days after deposited funds show in our account. Shipping date is scheduled ONLY AFTER VERIFICATION TAKES PLACE AND FFL/C&R IS RECEIVED (IF APPLIES). This is 5-7 days after WE receive order by mail - NOT customer date mailed and postmarked and after credit card funds are posted. Credit card orders exceeding $500 must be cleared through customer’s bank before shipping. Personal checks are accepted but orders are held UP TO 3 WEEKS after deposit of funds before items released for shipping. IF you have special instructions or require overnight or expedited shipping please advise at time of ordering and we will gladly prioritize shipping FOR AN ADDITIONAL CHARGE. THIS IS OUR POLICY and we encourage s to PLEASE READ AND UNDERSTAND OUR POLICY BEFORE . We would be pleased to answer ANY questions by phone (our toll free number is 1-800-571-7337 or e-mail cwlopiaol.
 

Price: $2,750.00

Antique: Yes