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This is the story of a love affair ...
This is the story of a provider of food, safety and status, all within one, the ownership of a weapon. In the settling of the North American frontier the smoothbore, fowling piece, or single barrel shotgun has seen as much use as all the Pennsylvania, Kentucky and Hawken rifles put together. One good reason for this is it has survived for several centuries as the weapon of choice among the Native Americans and most Europeans.
Soon after the return of the Lewis and Clark expedition, news of the wealth of furs available for the taking west of the Mississippi River spread quickly throughout the settlements. Men with vision, experienced in business, with knowledge of handling products and men, stepped forward to manage the task. To name only a few with the knowledge of collecting the wealth, was handled by men like John Jacob Astor, William Ashely, William Sublette, the Bent's.
In 1807, the Missouri Fur Company was founded by Manual Lisa and a year later John Jacob Astor’s American Fur Company appeared. Along with them came the trade items, now coming from Pennsylvania instead of England.
By 1817, the American trade had taken over the English based firms and the flow of goods, (guns) were at the top of the trade lists again. This time names like Leman, Tryon, Henry and Deringer were the suppliers. In just a few years fur companies were being sold or taken over by larger ones as power switched from one group to another. But the flow of goods never slowed. In time the more expensive American guns would be outsold by the cheaper European ones coming into the country again as the trade spread further west and north. In 1836, Henry received word that the English guns would be purchased rather than his or several other Pennsylvania contractors.
This firearm has been called by several different names; "common gun", "Indian or Northwest trade gun", "squirrel gun", "Tryon farm gun" and so on. The French named it the “fusil”, “fusee” or “fuke” while the English referred to it as the “Carolina Musket”. Many traders called it the “London fusil”. The Hudson’s Bay Company and the Mackinaw Company of Michilimackinac referred to the guns as the “Hudson’s Bay gun” and the “Mackinaw gun”.
The Hudson's Bay Company, one of the oldest and still active companies in the world, almost 200 years old when Canada was created in 1867. Since its inception in 1670 this firm has supplied most of the NW guns in Canadian Territory.
At First, the French wanted the Hudson’s Bay Company out of Canada. During HBC’s first decades, French and English warships battled for possession of the trading posts. The rivalry was finally settled. In the Company's favor by the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713. Powerful rivals emerged. The North West Company, principally Scottish-Canadian traders from Montréal, were the most formidable. The Nor' Westers, particularly under Alexander Mackenzie, pushed north to the Arctic and in 1793, west to the Pacific in defiance of the Charter.
In 1821, the North West Company was merged into the Hudson's Bay Company and the Company's title to the land was recognized by all parties. The York Factory’s records considered one of the better sources for all materials related to these times in North America where of great help in researching the purchase and sales of the NW gun.
The Hudson’s Bay Company trading posts were largely responsible for the greatest success of the trade gun market. Some of the largest quantities of shipments for NW guns found in any company records on either side of the border. The York Factory was one of the biggest suppliers for handling the NW gun. Shown below are their company journals filled with items, amounts and the dates received and sold.
AN AMERICAN FIRM’S SUCCESS:
George W. Tryon was apprenticed to a Philadelphia gunsmith, Frederick Goetz. Tryon became a partner in just a few months, George bought out the older partner. Gunmaking was mainly done by hand in the early years. The Tryon shop was located almost across the street from the Camel Traven and the famous old Buck Tavern. Tryon and his workman did not have far to go for a tankard of ale.
In 1829 Tryon found it necessary to expand to larger quarters at 134 Second Street (later renumbered 220). By 1836 a new member arrived on the scene - Edward K. Tryon, the oldest son of the founder. Now the sign above the shop read “Manufacturers, Importers & General Dealers in Fire Arms”. By 1837, it was found to be advantageous to divide the business into three separate companies: Tryon & Son - operators of the factory; Geo. W. Tryon & Co. - general merchandisers; Tryon, Merrick & Co. - importers of military arms often sold to such customers as the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the Republics of Maryland and South Carolina.
Despite a financial panic in America in 1837, this year marked the beginning of two decades of great manufacturing activity for the Tryon firm. On November 7, 1837, they received an order for 1000 flintlock rifled guns of approximately .45 cal at $12.50 each from the Commission of Indian Affairs. For this sum they were required to furnish the following accessories with each rifle: each rifle shall be enclosed in a first rate woolen cover, they shall be secured in strong boxes, no more than twenty-five per box. Each rifle shall be delivered with a bullet mold, a wiper, a charger and every other implement necessary to make a complete “outfit”. As low as $12.50 for a rifle and all accessories, and much lower prices for the smoothbore flintlocks North West guns. As were some other weapons designed for the Indian trade by Tryon as later contracts indicate.
When one considers that these thousands of Indian guns, it becomes evident that the Commissioner of Indian Affairs was actively in the business of arming the Native American.
These Northwest guns were allocated to the Chippewas, Winnebagos, Lenape, Osage, Blackfeet and the Sioux. All shipments were consigned for distribution through the Minnesota Territory with the Sioux getting the largest allocations. This is strange, for several of the tribes mentioned were closer to the shipping point than the distribution point.
By some reports Northwest gun requirements varied, usually determined by the conditions of the trading, the number of active tribes or the trading post's activity. By the early 1820's Northwest guns varied little in shape and style of mountings, but they saw changes in barrel lengths from 48 inches to a more standard 42 inch length. Hudson's Bay Company and the American Fur Company ordered a shorter barrel length, (there were a few 36 inch guns). The 30 inch barrel became popular for horseback and water travel, and still were suited for handling in close quarters in brush or a fight.
The finish of the Northwest gun for Hudson's Bay Company in 1780 was ordered in brown, as were the stocks. After 1800, almost all guns were supplied with blue barrels and brown varnished stocks with polished bright locks. (Hanson 41). I have read several different opinions on what was the standard bore size of the Northwest gun, some claiming 24 gauge and others claiming 20 gauge. I found that the American Fur Company shows different gauges, as does several of the shipping lists of trade items leaving St. Louis. One traveling to the Museum of the Fur Trade and looking at the weapons on display, will find many different bores from .59 to .65 caliber that were available over the years.
According to Charles E. Hanson, Jr., in 1850, Henry Leman made Northwest guns in .60, .65, .70 caliber. Hudson's Bay Company sold cast balls in 28 gauge (.550) and 30 gauge (.537) and in 1883. They sold some percussion guns in 12 bore and 16 bore. American Fur Company and Hudson's Bay Company sold a wide variety of shot sizes, as did North West Company.
Side Note:
o In the early 1960's Tryon Supply Co. in Philadelphia, Pa. had a pair of smoothbores, one in flint and the other in percussion hanging on the wall in Joe Tryon's office, visible from the shipping desk in the pick up and dock area. I never thought much about it at the time.
Several years later I finally realized what I was looking at and then started asking questions, why the weapons were hanging in his office. Figured Joe was a collector, no, they were samples of the firm’s first venture in firearms. Oh, TRYON now the light came on, (Tryon farm guns) the firm we got power outdoor equipment from (lawnmowers), was the same hardware and general merchandise firm that produced trade guns for the Board of Ordnance during the Westward Movement, small world - dah.
Many years ago, I was visiting Charles Hanson at the museum and he let me get a close look at a Wheeler trade gun that had a wrist the size of a half dollar. How it had survived all these years without being broken is amazing.
The early guns have the appearance of the Revolutionary fowling piece; wide butt, drooping stocks in the butt area, thin wrist and thin barrels with slim forearms. This was somewhat true until the early 1800's, when the guns changed to a more military look, with straighter stocks, thicker wrist area, shorter heavier barrels and beefier forearms. Earlier guns were plainer in the areas of the side plate, tang, and lock, while the later guns, (1805-1848), had "tear drops" at the back of the wrist from the lock and side plate and one on top of the wrist behind the tang.
This was true with the locks, early guns had the sporting European styling and many were engraved, while the later guns showed the large heavy military style lock and stamped lettering. Those interested in more detailed information on identification of the Indian trade gun should get a copy of "The Northwest Gun" by Charles E. Hanson, Jr.
If your interest goes beyond this information I would suggest contacting:
The MUSEUM of the FUR TRADE Chadron, Nebraska 69337
Ask to purchase a complete set of the Quarterly's, their museum journal. The Quarterly not only covers weapons but anything that was available in the Fur Trade. A great resource for any fur trade history student or student of the westward movement.
Probably the most detailed articles are from the Museum of the Fur Trade, by Charles E. Hanson, Jr.. As he is considered in most circles as "the expert" and has handled or studied as many of these arms as any living person. But don't forget T. M. Hamilton's (Hamilton) early arms studies of these guns or Mr. Benton Kidwell of South Charleston, Ohio and his wealth of knowledge on the subject. These three are at the top of the list for Northwest Gun research.
One of the more famous tradeguns "Tecumseh's Fusil", is now on display at the Museum of the Fur Trade, along with many other Northwest Guns along with other articles of interest, that you may have read about on the fur trade in North America, Russia and other lands.
This is the story of a provider of food, safety and status, all within one, the ownership of a weapon. In the settling of the North American frontier the smoothbore, fowling piece, or single barrel shotgun has seen as much use as all the Pennsylvania, Kentucky and Hawken rifles put together. One good reason for this is it has survived for several centuries as the weapon of choice among the Native Americans and most Europeans.
Soon after the return of the Lewis and Clark expedition, news of the wealth of furs available for the taking west of the Mississippi River spread quickly throughout the settlements. Men with vision, experienced in business, with knowledge of handling products and men, stepped forward to manage the task. To name only a few with the knowledge of collecting the wealth, was handled by men like John Jacob Astor, William Ashely, William Sublette, the Bent's.
In 1807, the Missouri Fur Company was founded by Manual Lisa and a year later John Jacob Astor’s American Fur Company appeared. Along with them came the trade items, now coming from Pennsylvania instead of England.
By 1817, the American trade had taken over the English based firms and the flow of goods, (guns) were at the top of the trade lists again. This time names like Leman, Tryon, Henry and Deringer were the suppliers. In just a few years fur companies were being sold or taken over by larger ones as power switched from one group to another. But the flow of goods never slowed. In time the more expensive American guns would be outsold by the cheaper European ones coming into the country again as the trade spread further west and north. In 1836, Henry received word that the English guns would be purchased rather than his or several other Pennsylvania contractors.
This firearm has been called by several different names; "common gun", "Indian or Northwest trade gun", "squirrel gun", "Tryon farm gun" and so on. The French named it the “fusil”, “fusee” or “fuke” while the English referred to it as the “Carolina Musket”. Many traders called it the “London fusil”. The Hudson’s Bay Company and the Mackinaw Company of Michilimackinac referred to the guns as the “Hudson’s Bay gun” and the “Mackinaw gun”.
The Hudson's Bay Company, one of the oldest and still active companies in the world, almost 200 years old when Canada was created in 1867. Since its inception in 1670 this firm has supplied most of the NW guns in Canadian Territory.
At First, the French wanted the Hudson’s Bay Company out of Canada. During HBC’s first decades, French and English warships battled for possession of the trading posts. The rivalry was finally settled. In the Company's favor by the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713. Powerful rivals emerged. The North West Company, principally Scottish-Canadian traders from Montréal, were the most formidable. The Nor' Westers, particularly under Alexander Mackenzie, pushed north to the Arctic and in 1793, west to the Pacific in defiance of the Charter.
In 1821, the North West Company was merged into the Hudson's Bay Company and the Company's title to the land was recognized by all parties. The York Factory’s records considered one of the better sources for all materials related to these times in North America where of great help in researching the purchase and sales of the NW gun.
The Hudson’s Bay Company trading posts were largely responsible for the greatest success of the trade gun market. Some of the largest quantities of shipments for NW guns found in any company records on either side of the border. The York Factory was one of the biggest suppliers for handling the NW gun. Shown below are their company journals filled with items, amounts and the dates received and sold.
AN AMERICAN FIRM’S SUCCESS:
George W. Tryon was apprenticed to a Philadelphia gunsmith, Frederick Goetz. Tryon became a partner in just a few months, George bought out the older partner. Gunmaking was mainly done by hand in the early years. The Tryon shop was located almost across the street from the Camel Traven and the famous old Buck Tavern. Tryon and his workman did not have far to go for a tankard of ale.
In 1829 Tryon found it necessary to expand to larger quarters at 134 Second Street (later renumbered 220). By 1836 a new member arrived on the scene - Edward K. Tryon, the oldest son of the founder. Now the sign above the shop read “Manufacturers, Importers & General Dealers in Fire Arms”. By 1837, it was found to be advantageous to divide the business into three separate companies: Tryon & Son - operators of the factory; Geo. W. Tryon & Co. - general merchandisers; Tryon, Merrick & Co. - importers of military arms often sold to such customers as the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the Republics of Maryland and South Carolina.
Despite a financial panic in America in 1837, this year marked the beginning of two decades of great manufacturing activity for the Tryon firm. On November 7, 1837, they received an order for 1000 flintlock rifled guns of approximately .45 cal at $12.50 each from the Commission of Indian Affairs. For this sum they were required to furnish the following accessories with each rifle: each rifle shall be enclosed in a first rate woolen cover, they shall be secured in strong boxes, no more than twenty-five per box. Each rifle shall be delivered with a bullet mold, a wiper, a charger and every other implement necessary to make a complete “outfit”. As low as $12.50 for a rifle and all accessories, and much lower prices for the smoothbore flintlocks North West guns. As were some other weapons designed for the Indian trade by Tryon as later contracts indicate.
When one considers that these thousands of Indian guns, it becomes evident that the Commissioner of Indian Affairs was actively in the business of arming the Native American.
These Northwest guns were allocated to the Chippewas, Winnebagos, Lenape, Osage, Blackfeet and the Sioux. All shipments were consigned for distribution through the Minnesota Territory with the Sioux getting the largest allocations. This is strange, for several of the tribes mentioned were closer to the shipping point than the distribution point.
By some reports Northwest gun requirements varied, usually determined by the conditions of the trading, the number of active tribes or the trading post's activity. By the early 1820's Northwest guns varied little in shape and style of mountings, but they saw changes in barrel lengths from 48 inches to a more standard 42 inch length. Hudson's Bay Company and the American Fur Company ordered a shorter barrel length, (there were a few 36 inch guns). The 30 inch barrel became popular for horseback and water travel, and still were suited for handling in close quarters in brush or a fight.
The finish of the Northwest gun for Hudson's Bay Company in 1780 was ordered in brown, as were the stocks. After 1800, almost all guns were supplied with blue barrels and brown varnished stocks with polished bright locks. (Hanson 41). I have read several different opinions on what was the standard bore size of the Northwest gun, some claiming 24 gauge and others claiming 20 gauge. I found that the American Fur Company shows different gauges, as does several of the shipping lists of trade items leaving St. Louis. One traveling to the Museum of the Fur Trade and looking at the weapons on display, will find many different bores from .59 to .65 caliber that were available over the years.
According to Charles E. Hanson, Jr., in 1850, Henry Leman made Northwest guns in .60, .65, .70 caliber. Hudson's Bay Company sold cast balls in 28 gauge (.550) and 30 gauge (.537) and in 1883. They sold some percussion guns in 12 bore and 16 bore. American Fur Company and Hudson's Bay Company sold a wide variety of shot sizes, as did North West Company.
Side Note:
o In the early 1960's Tryon Supply Co. in Philadelphia, Pa. had a pair of smoothbores, one in flint and the other in percussion hanging on the wall in Joe Tryon's office, visible from the shipping desk in the pick up and dock area. I never thought much about it at the time.
Several years later I finally realized what I was looking at and then started asking questions, why the weapons were hanging in his office. Figured Joe was a collector, no, they were samples of the firm’s first venture in firearms. Oh, TRYON now the light came on, (Tryon farm guns) the firm we got power outdoor equipment from (lawnmowers), was the same hardware and general merchandise firm that produced trade guns for the Board of Ordnance during the Westward Movement, small world - dah.
Many years ago, I was visiting Charles Hanson at the museum and he let me get a close look at a Wheeler trade gun that had a wrist the size of a half dollar. How it had survived all these years without being broken is amazing.
The early guns have the appearance of the Revolutionary fowling piece; wide butt, drooping stocks in the butt area, thin wrist and thin barrels with slim forearms. This was somewhat true until the early 1800's, when the guns changed to a more military look, with straighter stocks, thicker wrist area, shorter heavier barrels and beefier forearms. Earlier guns were plainer in the areas of the side plate, tang, and lock, while the later guns, (1805-1848), had "tear drops" at the back of the wrist from the lock and side plate and one on top of the wrist behind the tang.
This was true with the locks, early guns had the sporting European styling and many were engraved, while the later guns showed the large heavy military style lock and stamped lettering. Those interested in more detailed information on identification of the Indian trade gun should get a copy of "The Northwest Gun" by Charles E. Hanson, Jr.
If your interest goes beyond this information I would suggest contacting:
The MUSEUM of the FUR TRADE Chadron, Nebraska 69337
Ask to purchase a complete set of the Quarterly's, their museum journal. The Quarterly not only covers weapons but anything that was available in the Fur Trade. A great resource for any fur trade history student or student of the westward movement.
Probably the most detailed articles are from the Museum of the Fur Trade, by Charles E. Hanson, Jr.. As he is considered in most circles as "the expert" and has handled or studied as many of these arms as any living person. But don't forget T. M. Hamilton's (Hamilton) early arms studies of these guns or Mr. Benton Kidwell of South Charleston, Ohio and his wealth of knowledge on the subject. These three are at the top of the list for Northwest Gun research.
One of the more famous tradeguns "Tecumseh's Fusil", is now on display at the Museum of the Fur Trade, along with many other Northwest Guns along with other articles of interest, that you may have read about on the fur trade in North America, Russia and other lands.
This is the story of a provider of food, safety and status, all within one, the ownership of a weapon. In the settling of the North American frontier the smoothbore, fowling piece, or single barrel shotgun has seen as much use as all the Pennsylvania, Kentucky and Hawken rifles put together. One good reason for this is it has survived for several centuries as the weapon of choice among the Native Americans and most Europeans.
Soon after the return of the Lewis and Clark expedition, news of the wealth of furs available for the taking west of the Mississippi River spread quickly throughout the settlements. Men with vision, experienced in business, with knowledge of handling products and men, stepped forward to manage the task. To name only a few with the knowledge of collecting the wealth, was handled by men like John Jacob Astor, William Ashely, William Sublette, the Bent's.
In 1807, the Missouri Fur Company was founded by Manual Lisa and a year later John Jacob Astor’s American Fur Company appeared. Along with them came the trade items, now coming from Pennsylvania instead of England.
By 1817, the American trade had taken over the English based firms and the flow of goods, (guns) were at the top of the trade lists again. This time names like Leman, Tryon, Henry and Deringer were the suppliers. In just a few years fur companies were being sold or taken over by larger ones as power switched from one group to another. But the flow of goods never slowed. In time the more expensive American guns would be outsold by the cheaper European ones coming into the country again as the trade spread further west and north. In 1836, Henry received word that the English guns would be purchased rather than his or several other Pennsylvania contractors.
This firearm has been called by several different names; "common gun", "Indian or Northwest trade gun", "squirrel gun", "Tryon farm gun" and so on. The French named it the “fusil”, “fusee” or “fuke” while the English referred to it as the “Carolina Musket”. Many traders called it the “London fusil”. The Hudson’s Bay Company and the Mackinaw Company of Michilimackinac referred to the guns as the “Hudson’s Bay gun” and the “Mackinaw gun”.
The Hudson's Bay Company, one of the oldest and still active companies in the world, almost 200 years old when Canada was created in 1867. Since its inception in 1670 this firm has supplied most of the NW guns in Canadian Territory.
At First, the French wanted the Hudson’s Bay Company out of Canada. During HBC’s first decades, French and English warships battled for possession of the trading posts. The rivalry was finally settled. In the Company's favor by the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713. Powerful rivals emerged. The North West Company, principally Scottish-Canadian traders from Montréal, were the most formidable. The Nor' Westers, particularly under Alexander Mackenzie, pushed north to the Arctic and in 1793, west to the Pacific in defiance of the Charter.
In 1821, the North West Company was merged into the Hudson's Bay Company and the Company's title to the land was recognized by all parties. The York Factory’s records considered one of the better sources for all materials related to these times in North America where of great help in researching the purchase and sales of the NW gun.
The Hudson’s Bay Company trading posts were largely responsible for the greatest success of the trade gun market. Some of the largest quantities of shipments for NW guns found in any company records on either side of the border. The York Factory was one of the biggest suppliers for handling the NW gun. Shown below are their company journals filled with items, amounts and the dates received and sold.
AN AMERICAN FIRM’S SUCCESS:
George W. Tryon was apprenticed to a Philadelphia gunsmith, Frederick Goetz. Tryon became a partner in just a few months, George bought out the older partner. Gunmaking was mainly done by hand in the early years. The Tryon shop was located almost across the street from the Camel Traven and the famous old Buck Tavern. Tryon and his workman did not have far to go for a tankard of ale.
In 1829 Tryon found it necessary to expand to larger quarters at 134 Second Street (later renumbered 220). By 1836 a new member arrived on the scene - Edward K. Tryon, the oldest son of the founder. Now the sign above the shop read “Manufacturers, Importers & General Dealers in Fire Arms”. By 1837, it was found to be advantageous to divide the business into three separate companies: Tryon & Son - operators of the factory; Geo. W. Tryon & Co. - general merchandisers; Tryon, Merrick & Co. - importers of military arms often sold to such customers as the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the Republics of Maryland and South Carolina.
Despite a financial panic in America in 1837, this year marked the beginning of two decades of great manufacturing activity for the Tryon firm. On November 7, 1837, they received an order for 1000 flintlock rifled guns of approximately .45 cal at $12.50 each from the Commission of Indian Affairs. For this sum they were required to furnish the following accessories with each rifle: each rifle shall be enclosed in a first rate woolen cover, they shall be secured in strong boxes, no more than twenty-five per box. Each rifle shall be delivered with a bullet mold, a wiper, a charger and every other implement necessary to make a complete “outfit”. As low as $12.50 for a rifle and all accessories, and much lower prices for the smoothbore flintlocks North West guns. As were some other weapons designed for the Indian trade by Tryon as later contracts indicate.
When one considers that these thousands of Indian guns, it becomes evident that the Commissioner of Indian Affairs was actively in the business of arming the Native American.
These Northwest guns were allocated to the Chippewas, Winnebagos, Lenape, Osage, Blackfeet and the Sioux. All shipments were consigned for distribution through the Minnesota Territory with the Sioux getting the largest allocations. This is strange, for several of the tribes mentioned were closer to the shipping point than the distribution point.
By some reports Northwest gun requirements varied, usually determined by the conditions of the trading, the number of active tribes or the trading post's activity. By the early 1820's Northwest guns varied little in shape and style of mountings, but they saw changes in barrel lengths from 48 inches to a more standard 42 inch length. Hudson's Bay Company and the American Fur Company ordered a shorter barrel length, (there were a few 36 inch guns). The 30 inch barrel became popular for horseback and water travel, and still were suited for handling in close quarters in brush or a fight.
The finish of the Northwest gun for Hudson's Bay Company in 1780 was ordered in brown, as were the stocks. After 1800, almost all guns were supplied with blue barrels and brown varnished stocks with polished bright locks. (Hanson 41). I have read several different opinions on what was the standard bore size of the Northwest gun, some claiming 24 gauge and others claiming 20 gauge. I found that the American Fur Company shows different gauges, as does several of the shipping lists of trade items leaving St. Louis. One traveling to the Museum of the Fur Trade and looking at the weapons on display, will find many different bores from .59 to .65 caliber that were available over the years.
According to Charles E. Hanson, Jr., in 1850, Henry Leman made Northwest guns in .60, .65, .70 caliber. Hudson's Bay Company sold cast balls in 28 gauge (.550) and 30 gauge (.537) and in 1883. They sold some percussion guns in 12 bore and 16 bore. American Fur Company and Hudson's Bay Company sold a wide variety of shot sizes, as did North West Company.
Side Note:
o In the early 1960's Tryon Supply Co. in Philadelphia, Pa. had a pair of smoothbores, one in flint and the other in percussion hanging on the wall in Joe Tryon's office, visible from the shipping desk in the pick up and dock area. I never thought much about it at the time.
Several years later I finally realized what I was looking at and then started asking questions, why the weapons were hanging in his office. Figured Joe was a collector, no, they were samples of the firm’s first venture in firearms. Oh, TRYON now the light came on, (Tryon farm guns) the firm we got power outdoor equipment from (lawnmowers), was the same hardware and general merchandise firm that produced trade guns for the Board of Ordnance during the Westward Movement, small world - dah.
Many years ago, I was visiting Charles Hanson at the museum and he let me get a close look at a Wheeler trade gun that had a wrist the size of a half dollar. How it had survived all these years without being broken is amazing.
The early guns have the appearance of the Revolutionary fowling piece; wide butt, drooping stocks in the butt area, thin wrist and thin barrels with slim forearms. This was somewhat true until the early 1800's, when the guns changed to a more military look, with straighter stocks, thicker wrist area, shorter heavier barrels and beefier forearms. Earlier guns were plainer in the areas of the side plate, tang, and lock, while the later guns, (1805-1848), had "tear drops" at the back of the wrist from the lock and side plate and one on top of the wrist behind the tang.
This was true with the locks, early guns had the sporting European styling and many were engraved, while the later guns showed the large heavy military style lock and stamped lettering. Those interested in more detailed information on identification of the Indian trade gun should get a copy of "The Northwest Gun" by Charles E. Hanson, Jr.
If your interest goes beyond this information I would suggest contacting:
The MUSEUM of the FUR TRADE Chadron, Nebraska 69337
Ask to purchase a complete set of the Quarterly's, their museum journal. The Quarterly not only covers weapons but anything that was available in the Fur Trade. A great resource for any fur trade history student or student of the westward movement.
Probably the most detailed articles are from the Museum of the Fur Trade, by Charles E. Hanson, Jr.. As he is considered in most circles as "the expert" and has handled or studied as many of these arms as any living person. But don't forget T. M. Hamilton's (Hamilton) early arms studies of these guns or Mr. Benton Kidwell of South Charleston, Ohio and his wealth of knowledge on the subject. These three are at the top of the list for Northwest Gun research.
One of the more famous tradeguns "Tecumseh's Fusil", is now on display at the Museum of the Fur Trade, along with many other Northwest Guns along with other articles of interest, that you may have read about on the fur trade in North America, Russia and other lands.
This is the story of a provider of food, safety and status, all within one, the ownership of a weapon. In the settling of the North American frontier the smoothbore, fowling piece, or single barrel shotgun has seen as much use as all the Pennsylvania, Kentucky and Hawken rifles put together. One good reason for this is it has survived for several centuries as the weapon of choice among the Native Americans and most Europeans.
Soon after the return of the Lewis and Clark expedition, news of the wealth of furs available for the taking west of the Mississippi River spread quickly throughout the settlements. Men with vision, experienced in business, with knowledge of handling products and men, stepped forward to manage the task. To name only a few with the knowledge of collecting the wealth, was handled by men like John Jacob Astor, William Ashely, William Sublette, the Bent's.
In 1807, the Missouri Fur Company was founded by Manual Lisa and a year later John Jacob Astor’s American Fur Company appeared. Along with them came the trade items, now coming from Pennsylvania instead of England.
By 1817, the American trade had taken over the English based firms and the flow of goods, (guns) were at the top of the trade lists again. This time names like Leman, Tryon, Henry and Deringer were the suppliers. In just a few years fur companies were being sold or taken over by larger ones as power switched from one group to another. But the flow of goods never slowed. In time the more expensive American guns would be outsold by the cheaper European ones coming into the country again as the trade spread further west and north. In 1836, Henry received word that the English guns would be purchased rather than his or several other Pennsylvania contractors.
This firearm has been called by several different names; "common gun", "Indian or Northwest trade gun", "squirrel gun", "Tryon farm gun" and so on. The French named it the “fusil”, “fusee” or “fuke” while the English referred to it as the “Carolina Musket”. Many traders called it the “London fusil”. The Hudson’s Bay Company and the Mackinaw Company of Michilimackinac referred to the guns as the “Hudson’s Bay gun” and the “Mackinaw gun”.
The Hudson's Bay Company, one of the oldest and still active companies in the world, almost 200 years old when Canada was created in 1867. Since its inception in 1670 this firm has supplied most of the NW guns in Canadian Territory.
At First, the French wanted the Hudson’s Bay Company out of Canada. During HBC’s first decades, French and English warships battled for possession of the trading posts. The rivalry was finally settled. In the Company's favor by the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713. Powerful rivals emerged. The North West Company, principally Scottish-Canadian traders from Montréal, were the most formidable. The Nor' Westers, particularly under Alexander Mackenzie, pushed north to the Arctic and in 1793, west to the Pacific in defiance of the Charter.
In 1821, the North West Company was merged into the Hudson's Bay Company and the Company's title to the land was recognized by all parties. The York Factory’s records considered one of the better sources for all materials related to these times in North America where of great help in researching the purchase and sales of the NW gun.
The Hudson’s Bay Company trading posts were largely responsible for the greatest success of the trade gun market. Some of the largest quantities of shipments for NW guns found in any company records on either side of the border. The York Factory was one of the biggest suppliers for handling the NW gun. Shown below are their company journals filled with items, amounts and the dates received and sold.
AN AMERICAN FIRM’S SUCCESS:
George W. Tryon was apprenticed to a Philadelphia gunsmith, Frederick Goetz. Tryon became a partner in just a few months, George bought out the older partner. Gunmaking was mainly done by hand in the early years. The Tryon shop was located almost across the street from the Camel Traven and the famous old Buck Tavern. Tryon and his workman did not have far to go for a tankard of ale.
In 1829 Tryon found it necessary to expand to larger quarters at 134 Second Street (later renumbered 220). By 1836 a new member arrived on the scene - Edward K. Tryon, the oldest son of the founder. Now the sign above the shop read “Manufacturers, Importers & General Dealers in Fire Arms”. By 1837, it was found to be advantageous to divide the business into three separate companies: Tryon & Son - operators of the factory; Geo. W. Tryon & Co. - general merchandisers; Tryon, Merrick & Co. - importers of military arms often sold to such customers as the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the Republics of Maryland and South Carolina.
Despite a financial panic in America in 1837, this year marked the beginning of two decades of great manufacturing activity for the Tryon firm. On November 7, 1837, they received an order for 1000 flintlock rifled guns of approximately .45 cal at $12.50 each from the Commission of Indian Affairs. For this sum they were required to furnish the following accessories with each rifle: each rifle shall be enclosed in a first rate woolen cover, they shall be secured in strong boxes, no more than twenty-five per box. Each rifle shall be delivered with a bullet mold, a wiper, a charger and every other implement necessary to make a complete “outfit”. As low as $12.50 for a rifle and all accessories, and much lower prices for the smoothbore flintlocks North West guns. As were some other weapons designed for the Indian trade by Tryon as later contracts indicate.
When one considers that these thousands of Indian guns, it becomes evident that the Commissioner of Indian Affairs was actively in the business of arming the Native American.
These Northwest guns were allocated to the Chippewas, Winnebagos, Lenape, Osage, Blackfeet and the Sioux. All shipments were consigned for distribution through the Minnesota Territory with the Sioux getting the largest allocations. This is strange, for several of the tribes mentioned were closer to the shipping point than the distribution point.
By some reports Northwest gun requirements varied, usually determined by the conditions of the trading, the number of active tribes or the trading post's activity. By the early 1820's Northwest guns varied little in shape and style of mountings, but they saw changes in barrel lengths from 48 inches to a more standard 42 inch length. Hudson's Bay Company and the American Fur Company ordered a shorter barrel length, (there were a few 36 inch guns). The 30 inch barrel became popular for horseback and water travel, and still were suited for handling in close quarters in brush or a fight.
The finish of the Northwest gun for Hudson's Bay Company in 1780 was ordered in brown, as were the stocks. After 1800, almost all guns were supplied with blue barrels and brown varnished stocks with polished bright locks. (Hanson 41). I have read several different opinions on what was the standard bore size of the Northwest gun, some claiming 24 gauge and others claiming 20 gauge. I found that the American Fur Company shows different gauges, as does several of the shipping lists of trade items leaving St. Louis. One traveling to the Museum of the Fur Trade and looking at the weapons on display, will find many different bores from .59 to .65 caliber that were available over the years.
According to Charles E. Hanson, Jr., in 1850, Henry Leman made Northwest guns in .60, .65, .70 caliber. Hudson's Bay Company sold cast balls in 28 gauge (.550) and 30 gauge (.537) and in 1883. They sold some percussion guns in 12 bore and 16 bore. American Fur Company and Hudson's Bay Company sold a wide variety of shot sizes, as did North West Company.
Side Note:
o In the early 1960's Tryon Supply Co. in Philadelphia, Pa. had a pair of smoothbores, one in flint and the other in percussion hanging on the wall in Joe Tryon's office, visible from the shipping desk in the pick up and dock area. I never thought much about it at the time.
Several years later I finally realized what I was looking at and then started asking questions, why the weapons were hanging in his office. Figured Joe was a collector, no, they were samples of the firm’s first venture in firearms. Oh, TRYON now the light came on, (Tryon farm guns) the firm we got power outdoor equipment from (lawnmowers), was the same hardware and general merchandise firm that produced trade guns for the Board of Ordnance during the Westward Movement, small world - dah.
Many years ago, I was visiting Charles Hanson at the museum and he let me get a close look at a Wheeler trade gun that had a wrist the size of a half dollar. How it had survived all these years without being broken is amazing.
The early guns have the appearance of the Revolutionary fowling piece; wide butt, drooping stocks in the butt area, thin wrist and thin barrels with slim forearms. This was somewhat true until the early 1800's, when the guns changed to a more military look, with straighter stocks, thicker wrist area, shorter heavier barrels and beefier forearms. Earlier guns were plainer in the areas of the side plate, tang, and lock, while the later guns, (1805-1848), had "tear drops" at the back of the wrist from the lock and side plate and one on top of the wrist behind the tang.
This was true with the locks, early guns had the sporting European styling and many were engraved, while the later guns showed the large heavy military style lock and stamped lettering. Those interested in more detailed information on identification of the Indian trade gun should get a copy of "The Northwest Gun" by Charles E. Hanson, Jr.
If your interest goes beyond this information I would suggest contacting:
The MUSEUM of the FUR TRADE Chadron, Nebraska 69337
Ask to purchase a complete set of the Quarterly's, their museum journal. The Quarterly not only covers weapons but anything that was available in the Fur Trade. A great resource for any fur trade history student or student of the westward movement.
Probably the most detailed articles are from the Museum of the Fur Trade, by Charles E. Hanson, Jr.. As he is considered in most circles as "the expert" and has handled or studied as many of these arms as any living person. But don't forget T. M. Hamilton's (Hamilton) early arms studies of these guns or Mr. Benton Kidwell of South Charleston, Ohio and his wealth of knowledge on the subject. These three are at the top of the list for Northwest Gun research.
One of the more famous tradeguns "Tecumseh's Fusil", is now on display at the Museum of the Fur Trade, along with many other Northwest Guns along with other articles of interest, that you may have read about on the fur trade in North America, Russia and other lands.
