Late 19th Century Barnett Flintlock Northwest Trade Gun

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  Lot #3295  (Sale Order: 296 of 749) 
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Late 19th Century Barnett Flintlock Northwest Trade Gun

The Northwest trade gun was widely used from the 18th century until late in the 1800s as shown by this 1875 dated example. Throughout their long period of use, these multi-purpose smoothbores remained largely unchanged and were used in nearly every significant North American conflict of the 18th and 19th century by Native Americans and some white and Metis traders. For example, late production trade guns like this are known to have been used in considerable numbers during the Battle of Little Bighorn the year after this gun was manufactured. Flintlock trade guns remained popular well after the introduction of the percussion system since flints were often more readily available. Muzzle loading guns remained in use until the end of the 19th century by Native Americans for similar reasons; loose ball and powder was easier to come by in remote regions than metallic cartridges, and they were easier to repair. The smoothbores of most trade guns meant that they could be used with a variety of projectiles including shot loads for small game, buck shot for larger game, and large round ball or buck and ball loads for warfare. This example has a part round/part octagon smooth bore barrel. The barrel has an iron front sight and no rear sight as is standard. The lock has an integral iron pan, reinforced cock, and bridled frizzen. The trigger guard is the over-sized iron style usually seen on trade guns and has tear drop shaped finials at either end. The full length stock is pin fastened and has two brass ramrod pipes, the distinctive brass serpent side plate, and a flat brass buttplate secured by flat headed screws. The barrel tang, rear of the lock plate, and side plate have relief-carved tear drops. The hardwood ramrod has a brass tip. The lock plate is stamped with the vertical date "BARNETT/LONDON/1875" behind the cock and the sitting fox over "EB" (Edward Bond) stamp below the pan and on the top barrel flat at the breech. These markings are commonly found on trade guns manufactured for the Hudson Bay Company from 1790 to the 1890s. The barrel also has a "JEB" maker's mark, flag, and London proofs. John Edward Barnett was part of a long line of London gun makers. Many members of the family manufactured trade guns for the colonial trade including the various fur companies. They supplied the Northwest Company and then Hudson Bay Company from 1842 to 1875. The trade had slowed tremendously by mid-century making extremely late examples like this rare.

Class: Antique

Fine with a mottled gray and brown patina overall, some light oxidation and pitting, and generally fairly light wear. The stock is also fine and has a crackled protective varnish finish, a minor crack at the tail of the lock, small flake by the barrel tang, and mostly limited storage type wear. Mechanically fine. This is a very attractive example of a traditional Northwest Trade Gun in from just before the Battle of Little Bighorn. It is difficult to find these Native American trade guns in original flintlock configuration and solid condition.


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This item is part of Premier Firearms Auction - Day 3
 Sunday, May 19, 2024 | 9:00 AM  Central
 
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Late 19th Century Barnett Flintlock Northwest Trade Gun
Late 19th Century Barnett Flintlock Northwest Trade Gun
Lot number: 3295
Seller: Rock Island Auction Company
Event: Premier Firearms Auction - Day 3
Ends: Sunday, May 19 | 9:00 AM  Central

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