The gun is a "French America Fowler" in name because it built after the style of some guns made in the New York Colony in the 1750s
As we are aware, that area became a hot spot in the French and Indian War. American gunmakes of that time stylized their guns after the demands of the locals who bought them. Cherry wood was sometimes used in those days, more so by gunmakers building for the "French Market" then for the "English Market" but many imported parts were available from England more so than those from France. So, in this case, I used an English style lock and butt plate, and an early English side plate, but the stock is of the French style, as are the rod pipes and the Trigger Guard. The stock is made from cherry wood. It's 12 gage, witch is also larger then most (but not all) French guns of the era. It has a low simple cheek piece which is rare for any fowler except for those with Dutch influence, but not unheard of either. I made it that way because I think it adds a touch of class, and because I wanted a few things that were unique on it
Anyway.....after 1763 and the loss of the war by the French and their Indian Allies, the French influence in gun making diapered to a very large degree from the north Eastern area of the British colonies which later became know as the "New England States" It is interesting to note that it was thought of by some in days past both as "New France" and "New Holland".
After the close of the "F&I War" the German gun making influence became the dominant force in the market, even over riding the British style in the way of rifle making, but the English styling held on for fowlers for some 30 years.
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Re: 12 ga French/American Fowler
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