Item:
ONJR24HGGM131

Original U.S. Pennsylvania 20 Bore Percussion Converted Fowling Piece with Trade Lock by Ketland - Circa 1830

Item Description

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice matured "Pennsylvania" percussion fowling piece, often referred to as a "Kentucky Fowler". The design developed in Pennsylvania, and then spread down the Ohio River Valley to Kentucky, where it was very popular. It features all brass mountings on a thin profile maple or beech stock. The fowler features a 43 ½ inch long round barrel with a bore of about 0.615", which does not look to be a bored out rifle. This would be considered "20 Bore", very popular for game fowl, and being completely round with no nocks form definitely would keep the weight down. Overall length is a manageable 58 ½ inches.

As with many firearms produced during this period, it is fitted with a "trade lock", which in this case is British, marked with a faint KETLAND, possibly with & Co. underneath. This family business was started in 1740 by William Ketland, who is recorded as working from 1740-1804, eventually expanding to have operations in both Birmingham and London as W. Ketland & Co.. Following his death in 1804 the name was shortened to Ketland & Co., and it operated for decades under this name before finally folding in 1831. However it lasted over almost 100 years transacted a tremendous amount of business both domestically and abroad. Their Birmingham markings were so well known that in 1813 they became the official Birmingham Proof marks.

It looks to originally have been a flintlock, but the frizzen and pan have been removed, and their locations plugged but visible. It is a modern lock with two screws behind the hammer. We do not know whether this is the first gun it was used on, as it was very common for these locks to be reused if they were serviceable. The barrel is fitted with a simple "barrel" style bolster attached to the side, so it is possible that the barrel was originally flintlock as well.

The fowler is in good condition, with a lovely patina of age, especially on the all brass fittings. There is even a date of 1803 marked on the bottom of the trigger guard, but we believe the fowler was more likely made circa 1830. The metalwork overall shows a lovely "plum" colored patina, with surface oxidation and staining and some powder burn and peppering near the cap nipple cone. The barrel is fitted with simple notch sights, which look to be original. The lock is functional, however it will not hold at half cock due to wear on the tumbler. The stock has a lovely curve to it, with no major damage, though there is a dowel repaired chunk that broke off to the rear of the lock, a very common place for this to happen. There is a wooden ramrod under the barrel, but it looks to be a display replacement.

A very nice Pennsylvania Percussion Fowling Piece with a great patina of age. Ready to hang on the wall!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: c.1830
Caliber: 20 Bore - .615" smooth bore
Cartridge Type: Ball and Powder
Barrel Length: 43 ½ Inches
Overall Length: 58 ½ Inches
Action type: Side Action Percussion Lock
Feed System: Muzzle Loading

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