Musket Identification

[R005t3r]

Your help in identifying this old musket would be greatly appreciated. It was found hanging over the fireplace of a Muskoka cottage in Ontario. It's condition is unfortunate but it is what it is. It is perhaps a percussion conversion as it is a .64 cal. smoothbore. The barrel is 37 1/8" long. Makers name on the lockplate may be G. Morely, I used strong light and a magnifying glass. It is mostly obliterated by corrosion.The medallion in the wrist is sterling silver. Maybe it belonged to Tecumseh? Sure it did Thank you for taking the time to have a look. Merry Christmas!

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[tiriaq]

What you have, of course, is a so-called "Chief's Gun". It is an example of one of the fancy guns that were supplied as gifts/treaty goods.
It is interesting that it has been re-locked, with a correct lock.

 

[wr.sainsbury]

Has a number of features on the stock that look like the typical Trade Musket and caliber is correct. Would be interesting to see if the lock screws both line up as the lock is not the original to the piece. Nice find!!!

 

[Musketfire]

Very nice old arm.

Imagine taking a deer with it now, after all these years!

 

[R005t3r]

What you have, of course, is a so-called "Chief's Gun". It is an example of one of the fancy guns that were supplied as gifts/treaty goods.
It is interesting that it has been re-locked, with a correct lock.

Any idea of it's value. The owner is planning on keeping it. It belonged to her father. Are there parts available to properly restore it? Thanks very much for your information gentlemen.

Very nice old arm.

Imagine taking a deer with it now, after all these years!

Imagine wearing all that shrapnel. A very romantic and attractive idea but no thank you.

 

[Musketfire]

Parts are available to restore it as is or even to reconvert back to flintlock.
Dont count it out as a occasional shooter, if the barrel is sound why not?

It is pretty amazing!

 

[tiriaq]

It does have significant value, even with the forend damage and problems with the lock. How long is the barrel? These Chief's Guns are historic pieces. I would suggest 1810 - 1820. They were usually made by the same contractors who made trade guns, both for the fur trade, and for the Board of Ordnanance for issue to irregular troops during the 1812 War.
Be very, very careful about any restoration. The gun has real value, and should not be messed up. In my opinion, reconversion would be very much the wrong thing to do.
Maybe the lock is original to the gun, but a different one has been installed at some time. Detailed examination should tell if the lock is the original or a replacement.
If you look very carefully, you can see traces of the maker's name on the lockplate.

 

[NorthCoastBigBore]

Was just about to post something similiar - since it isn't shootable, all the marks and wear tell a story and removing the marks could actually do more harm than good.

Field pieces (arguably especially those trade guns used by First Nation folks such as this appears to be, or has potential to be) in some respects are more difficult to find in part because they were used to their full extent and often did not survive - or were discarded as a result of the condition.

Only my opinion, but to a serious collector a non-shooter with real potential for history like this one could lose provenience if you restore it.

Personally, I really like it as-is! I'd display it with pride

 

[NorthCoastBigBore]

I'd also suggest taking a few minutes and writing down whatever is known of the musket at this time, including details like the exact location/address it is located. Anything known about where it was originally purchased/acquired also (and dates) - this could assist in at least drawing a reasonable conclusion regarding the history of the area, even if only the area it may have been used/group that was likely using it - that can lead to other things. Think another generation/hundred years in the future...

Only a suggestion anyway - I try and do that for everything (guns and whatever else I have). For example, I picked up an old steamer trunk (with a rounded top) from a buddy that was destined for the dump. Was able to clean it up enough and through various markings and a shipping tag we can tie it back it to one of his relatives and the date of their immagration to Canada over 100 years ago. Even the ships manifest was available.

With firearms (and anything that can be tied to the NW Company or HBC) - there remains a huge archive in Winnipeg, with a lot of little/unknown information hiding in there.

Anyway, good luck whatever you decide. It is a nice piece.