Here's an interesting American "composite" fowler made primarily from British components. Just like today, gun parts were expensive during the 19th Century, and the practice of "recycling" parts from broken or damaged weapons and combining them with a newly-made stock to produce a functional arm is a practice that dates back to the early 17th Century and the founding of America's first colonies.
This particular fowling piece was likely produced in the 1820's based on the gun's overall styling. Stocked in maple, this full stocked fowler remains in excellent condition and weighs only 6lbs 10 oz. The stock is very good with no major damage, a deep red-brown color, and beautifully crisp edges - a good indicator that the stock was never sanded or refinished.
The lock is marked "J. Golcher". James Golcher was an English gunmaker that produced locks and other gun components for commercial export. These locks were tremendously popular with American gunsmiths as they were good quality and very affordable. This particular lock was originally built as a flintlock, and was neatly converted to percussion sometime during the late 1830's to 1850s; possibly when the gun's stock was made. A single bolt holds the lock to the stock, but interestingly the stock was originally drilled for two lock bolts - more evidence that this gun was produced from recycled parts. The lock remains in good condition and is most definitely original to the stock as it remains a perfect fit in the lock mortise. Mechanically, the lock works well with a solid half and full cock.
The 12 gauge barrel is 36" long and appears to be much earlier than the lock. Originally a flintlock barrel, it was converted to percussion along with the lock. The proofmarks on the gun date it to the turn of the 18th Century.
The furniture appears to be the same vintage as the barrel - the long tang butt plate is indicative of late 18th Century/ early 19the Century. The "acorn" finial on the trigger guard is also a common 18th Century motif.
This American-made fowler is the perfect choice for any collector of early Americana!