Scarce Short "Chief's Grade" Percussion Conversion Trade Gun Marked "JxN" The consignor attributed this gun to a man named John Nodee who is reportedly buried on Walpole Island alongside the famous Shawnee war chief and pan-Indian leader Tecumseh. The left side of the butt is carved with "JxN." The smoothbore gun follows the standard "Chief's grade" form other than that it has had its barrel and forend shortened to its current length. It has the standard boar head and horn motifs on the lock and buttplate tang, the bow and arrow motifs on the trigger guard and side plate, the silver thumb plate with an Indian armed with a bow and arrow, raise relief carving around the barrel tang, and "LONDON," a sitting fox emblem, and British proofs on the barrel. The lock on this example is marked "HAMPTON" followed by a broad arrow mark. Shortening of guns by or for Native Americans was not uncommon. Common causes for alteration were damaged barrels or needing a shorter weapon for easier use on horseback, in the woods, or in a canoe. These "Chief's grade" guns were not really trade items like the Northwest guns but were instead diplomatic gifts primarily given to Indian nations at conference to encourage them to support the British against other Native American groups and the Americans. They are believed to have been mostly distributed around the War of 1812, but others are believed to have been presented as late as the 1830s. Manufacturer: English Model: Percussion BBL: 24 inch part octagon Stock: walnut Gauge: 60 Finish: bright Grips: Serial Number: NSN Class: Antique Condition: Good as modified with dark brown and gray patina along the lock and shortened barrel, pitting concentrated at the breech, and dark patina on the brass and silver. The lock remains functional, but the nipple is broken. The imagery on the thumb plate remains distinct and most of the other patterns are also clear. The stock has some conservation work around the ramrod entry pipe where there is a break, material absent along the forend (primarily at the muzzle on the right), additional minor chipping, various scratches and dings, and slight variance in tone on the right rear.

  • Condition: See Description

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

We will arrange for packing and shipping at our earliest possible convenience. We will attempt to ship as soon as possible, however, due to the huge volume of absentee bidders, delays in shipping of seven days after full payment is received by us is typical. In the case of crating or any exceptional packaging, the buyer will be charged our cost from outside agents. Buyer pays all shipping and insurance charges.

by Rock Island Auction Company
May 5, 2017 9:00 AM CDT
7819 42nd Street West
Rock Island, IL, US 61201

Rock Island Auction Company

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 20.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 + $10,000