Original U.S. Half Stocked 14 Bore Percussion Fowling Piece by John Wirth of West Philadelphia - Circa 1850

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice matured early U.S. percussion fowling piece, which looks to have been well cared for during its life. It features an American Black Walnut half stock, which is fitted with Nickel Silver and Iron, and is somewhat unadorned, indicating it was intended as a working gun, not a show piece. The fowler features a 37 inch long round barrel with a bore of about 0.693", which does not look to be a bored out rifle. This would be considered "14 Bore", very popular for game fowl, and being completely round with no nocks form definitely would keep the weight down. Overall length is a manageable 53 inches., and it is maker marked on the top of the barrel:-

JOHN WIRTH WEST PHILA.DA.

This is a known maker from the Philadelphia area, who produced percussion fowling pieces such as these, as well as "Pennsylvania" style percussion long rifles. We checked the lock, and there are no markings, so we do not know whether it was made in house or acquired through trade. The lock is functional, however it does not hold at half cock.

The fowler is in lovely condition showing a great aged plum patina on the barrel, and a nice dark oxidized color on the iron trigger guard, ramrod pipes, and butt plate. The nickel silver fittings all have a lovely mellow color, and include the side plate, barrel wedge escutcheons, as well as some shield shaped inlays on the top and bottom of the butt plate. There is a lovely ramrod under the barrel, which is definitely ORIGINAL, fitted with a brass rammer on one end and a clearing worm on the other.

A wonderful early U.S. Percussoin fowler, ready to research and display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: c.1850
Caliber: 14 Bore - .693" smooth bore
Cartridge Type: Ball and Powder
Barrel Length: 37 Inches
Overall Length: 53 Inches
Action type: Side Action Percussion Lock
Feed System: Muzzle Loading

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