This is a fine example of a 19th century "Northwest" trade gun that has been converted from flintlock to percussion. It was produced by The Barnett Company of England who made firearms for more than three hundred years. Their weapons were distributed by fur trade outfits including The North West Company, Hudson Bay Company, and American Fur Company as well the U.S. Indian Trade Office during the early 19th century. Trade guns went by many names depending on where you were. In England, where they were made, they were referred to as Carolina Muskets. The French commonly called them fusils or fukes, whereas traders called them a variety of names including London fusils, Northwest guns, Mackinaw guns, and other, sometimes regional, variations. This example features the classic serpentine/dragon sideplate that Native people looked for when trading for arms, is lightweight, designed for use with shot or ball, front sight, and features a longer 47.75 inch barrel than the common 30 to 45 inch barrel. The lockplate is marked "BARNETT/1810" behind the hammer with what appears to be the Hudson Bay "tombstone" fox proof mark in front of the hammer. The butt has "S W/I M" engraved on the left side with a faint circle mark on the right side. On the left of the breech, the barrel has three stamps: two ovals and one dome shaped mark with illegible details. It is also fitted with enlarged trigger and guard for winter use, brass ramrod pipes, and brass buttplate. A forend piece is missing.

Good. The gun retains a brown patina on the metal surfaces with an untouched aged patina on the brass components. The trigger, trigger guard, and buttplate display a mottled brown patina. The lock holds half-cock, but does not lock in full-cock and there is a white mark on the front right section of the barrel. The stock is in remarkable shape for its age with a white mark on the right side, some small cracks, a small portion absent on the forend, and some minor dings and light scratches throughout.