‘trading’ Or ‘buccaneer’ Rifle - United States - 19th Century

‘Trading’ or ‘Buccaneer’ Rifle
United States
19th century
Steel, wood, brass, copper
Overall length: 145 cm, Barrel length: 106.5 cm
Calibre: 17 mm

Round barrel with fluted rifling, marked ‘US NWP’ and hallmarked.
Wooden stock decorated with iron and brass upholstery nails.
Cheek piece adorned with a copper plate engraved with geometric patterns.
Iron butt plate marked ‘US’.
Flintlock with a heart-shaped hammer and straight steel crest, brass pan, engraved ‘US’, ‘E. WHITNEY’, ‘NEW HAVEN 1837’.
Wooden stock.
Hallmarks.

Firearms were introduced to North America by the Spanish in the 16th century. A century later, during the French and Indian Wars, French troops armed their allies, the Hurons and Algonquins, with flintlock rifles to fight against the British and their allies, the Iroquois.

These weapons were regarded as luxury items that the Indians could obtain from trading posts and would personalise by decorating them to their own taste.

Ref.: 7081

Text and photos © FCP CORIDON