Flintlock Fowler
MakerMade by
Harmon Deming
(American, 1767 - 1840)
Date1802-1803
MediumSteel, wood, brass, silver, flint, leather
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (overall length): 60 1/2in. (153.7cm)
Other (barrel length): 45in. (114.3cm)
ClassificationsWeapons
Credit LineThe Newman S. Hungerford Museum Fund
Object number2009.166.2
DescriptionSmoothbore flintlock fowler with four brass thimbles and brass cap at muzzle end of stock. The stock is secured to the rounded barrel with three silver retaining pins inlaid equally spaced along the length of the barrel. The front sight post is inlaid and maid of silver with floral engraving surrounding it. The ram rod is secured with the thimbles and has a flat head. The stock is carved with a decorative design behind the last thimble and also infront of and behind of the trigger guard. The brass trigger guard is engraved with a scrolling floral design throughout, and has a hole at the front, possibly for a sling swivel. The trigger is made of steel as is the lock plate which is engraved with "W. / KETLAND / & CO." in front of the hammer. The butt plate is brass and has some minor engraving on the top. There is an inlaid silver plate behind the barrel in the stock that is unadorned and a four pointed silver star inlaid into the center of the right hand side of the butt stock. The star is engraved with a four pointed star design in the center of it. The key plate is brass and is engraved with "J. Grant's" in the center. The rear sight is a 'v' groove and is located directly behind the barrel, and slightly raised. The rear section of the barrel is engraved with a floral design, extending approximatly 8 inches down the barrel.
Label TextConnecticut is well-known for its role in the mass-production of firearms through the genius of 19th Century pioneers like Eli Whitney, Simeon North and Samuel Colt. But what came before the Industrial Revolution made its mark? Through the 18th century Connecticut gunsmiths like Benoni Hills of Goshen produced superb fowling long-barreled hunting guns (known as fowling pieces) that served their owners well in peace and in war. These early gunsmiths produced their weapons one at a time, mirroring the craft tradition found in furniture-, clock- and silver-making.
The Connecticut Historical Society has two Connecticut-made long guns from this earlier period, the work of Harmon Deming of Canaan (1767-1840). One of these weapons, dated ca. 1805, began life as a “rifle”; that is, a long-barreled gun with spiral grooves cut into the barrel interior. “Rifling”, as this process was known, imparted a spin on the projectile which increased both range and accuracy. This was the epitome of high tech firearms in the period and was very unusual in New England. Because of the similarity in design to so-called “Kentucky rifles” produced in Pennsylvania, Virginia, and adjacent frontier areas, the Deming piece was long misattributed by collectors and experts. Genealogical and historical research ultimately provided the key to identifying the “H. Deming” engraved on the piece and, by extension, its Connecticut origin.
Deming’s rifle, with its beautifully engraved lock and trigger assembly (firing mechanism) and cover for the patch box (a compartment in the stock that held wadding) embodies the craftsmanship of individual Connecticut gun makers of the 1700s, before the introduction of the factory system of mass-production and interchangeable parts that became so great a part of the state’s industrial legacy.
NotesUnsigned, attributed to Harmon Deming on the basis of similarities to 2009.166.1. Original flintlock, correctly re-converted using the appropriate Ketland parts. Iron ramrod is period, but not original to this gun. (Brundage 11/13/09)The Connecticut Historical Society has two Connecticut-made long guns from this earlier period, the work of Harmon Deming of Canaan (1767-1840). One of these weapons, dated ca. 1805, began life as a “rifle”; that is, a long-barreled gun with spiral grooves cut into the barrel interior. “Rifling”, as this process was known, imparted a spin on the projectile which increased both range and accuracy. This was the epitome of high tech firearms in the period and was very unusual in New England. Because of the similarity in design to so-called “Kentucky rifles” produced in Pennsylvania, Virginia, and adjacent frontier areas, the Deming piece was long misattributed by collectors and experts. Genealogical and historical research ultimately provided the key to identifying the “H. Deming” engraved on the piece and, by extension, its Connecticut origin.
Deming’s rifle, with its beautifully engraved lock and trigger assembly (firing mechanism) and cover for the patch box (a compartment in the stock that held wadding) embodies the craftsmanship of individual Connecticut gun makers of the 1700s, before the introduction of the factory system of mass-production and interchangeable parts that became so great a part of the state’s industrial legacy.
Status
On view
