Description 🔉
A very rare early 19th-century American flintlock fowling rifle with a hair-trigger mechanism. The lock has been proof stamped with the rampant lion as it was later sold to the East India Company. The barrel was smoothbored at a later date, suggesting this firearm could have been used by the East India Company to supply native troops following the 1857 Indian Mutiny.
Length: 55 inches.
In good condition with a strong working action.
Frequently Asked Questions
What features suggest that this is an American-made weapon, especially a rifle?
The combination of features — including the V-sights, cheek rest, traces of early rifling within the barrel, hair-trigger mechanism, and distinctive stock design — are more commonly associated with early American long rifles than with contemporary European military muskets. These characteristics help identify it as a likely American-made weapon.
Why has this weapon been smoothbored and marked with the EIC (East India Company)?
Obsolete and surplus weapons from other countries were frequently sold to the East India Company for use by its native and princely forces, or as part of wider trade agreements. This practice continued throughout the 19th century. The weapon was likely smoothbored to simplify loading and maintenance, while the EIC markings indicate it was accepted into East India Company service after acquisition. Another possible reason for the smoothboring relates to the period following the Indian Rebellion of 1857, when some weapons issued to Indian troops were altered from rifled to smoothbore arms in an effort to limit their effectiveness should further rebellions occur.
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Seller Details
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- Business Name: Raven Yard Antiques Shop
- Name: Jan
- Email: Enquiries@raven-antiques.com
- Phone: 07454992481
- Website: https://raven-antiques.com
- Address:
- 21 Watergate, Whitchurch, Shropshire, UK.
- SY131DP
- Note:
- Raven Yard Antiques Shop is a family run business located in the picturesque part of Shropshire in the Roman town of Whitchurch. We have a diverse selection of rare and historic goods to choose from. Please browse our online store or else visit our shop to see some of our amazing items.
Legal Note
For antique firearms such as muskets and rifles, this item is offered strictly as a collectors’ piece. It is sold as a historic firearm for display or study purposes only, and not as a modern, live-firing weapon. Export, import, and ownership regulations vary by country; buyers are responsible for ensuring compliance with their local laws and confirming that they are not prohibited from ownership. In accordance with UK guidelines, the seller is required to verify the buyer’s identification and age prior to completion of the sale.
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