This is a good example of one of many Northwest Indian Trade arms that started its life as a flintlock likely prior to the War of 1812 and was then later converted to the percussion cap system. The hammer has a high spur and light engraving, and the bolster is square. The lock plate is marked "WHEELER" vertically behind the cock. The barrel is marked with English proofs around a "*/RW" mark. Robert Wheeler (circa 1767-1813) is known to have had contracts with the Hudson's Bay Company and likely sold arms directly or indirectly to other fur trade companies as well. The serpent/dragon side plate identifies this flintlock as an Indian trade gun, but the remaining characteristics are unusual for that market. It has a much smaller trigger guard opening and the guard is elongated. The full length stock has a lower comb than most trade guns and also features some detailed carving at the breech. The buttplate has a slight curve and is held by three screws whereas Northwest guns from this era typically have flat butts pinned to the stock. It is possible that this example was designed as a exclusive gift or was altered to its current form when it was converted to the percussion system. This is made more likely by the fact that the trigger plate is absent. It includes a flared ramrod with a cleaning tip.

About good as converted to percussion. The lock and barrel have a brown patina with some scattered pitting. The brass components have an attractive aged patina. The stock is good with a few small cracks, wear above the lock and some slight scratches and dings. It is mechanically fine with legible markings.