Frontier Firearms from the Lifetime Collection of Larry Ness

.62 caliber. 47.5" pinned three-stage octagon to round barrel with baluster turned rings at the transitions. SN: NSN. Metal heavily oxidized, iron and brass mountings, highly figured stock, possibly of maple. Unmarked flat beveled lock with pointed tail has an unbridled, faceted and fenced iron pan and slightly beveled flat swan neck cock. The lock remains in original flint configuration with an old period of use replaced bridle. Despite the strange profile of the cock, removal of the lock makes it clear that cock was made for this lock and has been with the lock since the period of use. It is this cataloger's opinion that the cock was probably made in America at the time of the bridle replacement, thus the odd form yet perfect fit and obvious age. Barrel with early sunken London commercial proof marks. Typical trade gun features include the oversized iron triggerguard and the simple, flat buttplate, secured by seven square head nails. The flat brass side plate is similar in appearance to some Sea Service pistol side plates and may have been repurposed for the assembly of the gun. Mr. Ness notes that this gun is "a little strange", but it appears to be an early American-made trade gun using mostly British made parts that was later repaired to keep in service. The stock certainly appears American and the unbridled pan and nailed buttplate are early features that suggest the gun dates to the late 18th century. A very attractive "Pennsylvania" style, full stock early American assembled Trade Gun.