Colonial Trade Guns

Historically, trade guns were specifically patterned firearms sold or traded to indigenous People of any given geographical area by a fur or a land company. Settlers, trappers, and hunters recognize the versatility of this inexpensive game getter also but it was specifically designed for the Native Americans of North America.

The trade gun's light weight and smaller caliber ball, then the military arms of the day, lends itself to being carried farther in country for the long hunts of the time.

The English trade guns I make are of the northwest pattern. Easily identified by it's light weight, full length stock, flat butt plate, and distinctive serpent side plate. First referred to by name in the 1760's (as far as I know), this long arm served hunters well for over a hundred years. From the French and Indian War to the closing of the west, this long arm - in it's various forms -  was faithfully securing wild game or waging war for it's owner.

The Le Fusil De Chasse is an equally distinguishable flintlock firearm, with it's graceful drop at the butt stock and French style iron hardware. This handsome and rugged firearm served the French People and their Native American allies from roughly 1696 to well after the French and Indian War.

More expensive to manufacture and sell than it's English contemporary, the Fusil De Chasse was preferred by many tribes and people; it's style was even copied by at least one English gunmaker to try and capitalize on the French gun's reputation of ruggedness and dependability.

Mounted in brass, this long arm would be considered a French type "C" or "D" trade gun depending on the style of the hardware.

Le Fusil De Chasse Circa 1696 to after F & I War This handmade smoothbore trade gun is a copy of the original tulle in the Parks Canada collection. Fully stocked in Cherry or Walnut, this gun has a 42 inch, 62 caliber octagon to round barrel. Iron hardware (brass available) and RE Davis lock. Components are cast by Larry Zornes of the Mold and Gun Shop. Base price $1,500.00 US; carving and antiquing extra. For more information, please inquire.

	English Northwest Trade Gun This handmade smoothbore gun is a copy of the original made by Wilson approximately 1770s. It has slightly more drop than later N.W. guns, such as Barnett or Whately. Because of this extra drop it is quicker to site. With walnut or cherry stock, this gun features a round faced RE Davis lock and a 42 inch 62 caliber octagon to round barrel. Available with forged, shallow or large bow trigger guard. A large bow trigger guard denotes post 1780 manufacture (TM Hamilton). Brown steel hardware, brass butt plate and ramrod thimbles. Forged trigger. Canoe style guns are available with 28 inch or shorter barrels. Customer specified. Price quote available. Base price $1,300. Antiquing extra. For more information please inquire.

Whately N. W. Canoe Gun This is an example of the Whately style N.W. trade gun with a 28 inch octagon to round 62 caliber barrel. The barrels used are old Belgium barrels with hand filed flats. Forged hardware, small or large trigger guard available. Fully stocked in cherry or walnut, and available in brass or iron components. By custom order, price on request.