Scarce Early 19th Century "Chief's Grade" Percussion Conversion Trade Gun This "Chief's grade" trade gun perfectly matches the standard description of the "Chief's grade" smoothbore guns presented to various Native Americans by British agents in the early 19th century, especially before and during the War of 1812. It is a near match for the example pictured on page 762 of "Flayderman's Guide to Antique American Firearms and Their Values, 9th Edition"; the only real difference are in minor condition aspects. Though generally categorized as "trade guns," these weapons are really a separate entity from other trade guns in that they were used diplomatically rather than for commerce, and their design is based more closely on the English fowling guns of the same period rather than the Northwest Trade Guns. Exchanging gifts was an important part of alliance building and maintenance for many Indian nations, and gifts were often lavishly presented by European powers at treaty conferences to both display the colonial power's wealth and generosity. Firearms were naturally appropriate gifts when asking allies to go to war against the Americans, and many tribes expected to be supplied with arms and ammunition if they were to fight on behalf of the British. This example has a converted "W. KETLAND/& CO" and broad arrow marked flintlock with light engraved boar's head and horn design at the tail. The three-stage barrel has a simple bead front sight, "LONDON" on top, a pair of English proofs on the upper left flat at the breech, and "wedding bands" at the transitions. The trigger guard and side plate have light bow and arrow engraving. The buttplate tang has a similar boar and horn design as the lock. The stock is smooth walnut with some striping, raised relief carving at the breech, and a silver medal inlaid into the top of the wrist with the likeness of an American Indian armed with a bow and arrow. Ramrod not included. Manufacturer: English Model: Percussion BBL: 36 3/4 inch part octagon Stock: walnut Gauge: 62 Finish: bright Grips: Serial Number: NSN Class: Antique Condition: Very good for these guns. Very few survive at all. The barrel has a blend of gray and brown patina and has moderate flash pitting concentrated at the breech. The brass has varied aged patina throughout, and the silver thumb plate has dark patina and a clear image. The lock has dark blue and brown patina and mild oxidation. The hammer is chipped at the face and the spur and is attached via a replacement screw, and the lock needs work. The stock is fair with cracking towards the muzzle, small slivers absent along the forend, flash wear and material absent at the breech, and scattered dings and scratches. This is a better than average example of an important and fairly scarce "Chief's grade" trade gun.

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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

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