The lock has a catch or dog at the rear in addition to a secure half-cock notch. Though doglocks were largely supplanted by "true" flintlocks by the late 17th century, a dog catch remained a more secure way to carry a loaded weapon than simply relying on a half-cock notch, and they remained in use into the first quarter of the 18th century. The upper right barrel flat is stamped with a pair of British proofs towards the breech, two thin inlaid bands appear on the barrel at the breech, and a inlaid star design surrounds the bead front sight. The two proofs on the barrel are the only visible markings. The trigger guard, buttplate and ramrod pipes are brass. This fowler has the distinctive heavy weight club buttstock, a design that originated with early American arms. The oddly bowed contour of the stock is indicative of a fowler made in colonial America around the time of the French & Indian War and Revolutionary War. Imported European club butt fowlers served as patterns for colonial versions that were commonly made in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. These arms have been called Marshfield fowlers since collectors have attributed their origin to the area surrounding Marshfield, Massachusetts. The popularity of the club butt fowler was from the third quarter of the 17th century to the American Revolution and are commonly found with British proofed barrels, such as this example. Colonial era doglock club butt fowlers are rare in any condition.

Very good. The barrel and action have a smooth dark patina and the brass has a mixed patina. The trigger guard tang is cracked at the screw, and the ramrod finial has an absent chip. The stock is also good with a few cracks, chipping at the buttplate and lock plate, a couple pin repairs and crazing along the ramrod channel. Mechanically fine. A solid example of a highly desirable colonial era doglock club butt fowler that would be a welcomed addition to any early American collection, specializing in French and Indian or Revolutionary War weapons.