This is an example of a Northwest flintlock trade musket manufactured by Robert Wheeler of London. The lock plate is marked "WHEELER" in a vertical arch at the rear. The lock and hammer have a simple double line border. The top barrel flat is marked "LONDON" and the upper right barrel flat is stamped with three British proofs, "crown/GP", "sun/RW", and "crown/V". The "RW" proof was the proofmark of Robert Wheeler (1770-1820). The part octagon barrel is equipped with a blade front sight and there are no provisions for a rear sight. The ornate brass side plate is shaped like a mythical serpent/dragon on this gun, also known as a Hudson's Bay Fuke, is a common ornament of 19th century trade muskets. Three screws hold the side plate in place. The side plate and flat buttplate are brass. The full length stock is smooth with two ramrod pipes. The buttplate is secured to the stock by eight tacks. Complete with a swollen tipped wooden ramrod.

Very good. The musket has a smooth attractive dark brown aged patina. The brass components have a mixed patina on the buttplate and a smooth attractive patina on the side plate. The stock is fine with a hairline crack near the buttplate. A missing minor chip near the lock plate and some minor pressure dents and scratches. Mechanically fine.