This is a very interesting fur trade gun with a North West Company beaver token inserted into the right side of the butt and a brass escutcheon plate inscribed "NWCo" on the upper wrist. According to the North West Company's timeline, the token should have King George and the date 1820 on the rear side. The North West Company, based out of Canada, tried to slow the United States expansion into British territory by arming the Native American Indian tribes with fur trade guns such as this example. It was likely converted to the percussion firing system in the mid-19th century. The lock plate is marked "T/KETLAND/& Co". Both the North West Company and Ketland trace their beginnings to the 18th century. Ketland & Co. manufactured arms until 1831 whereas in different forms the North West Company has continued on to the present day. Thomas Ketland died in 1816, indicating this musket was likely manufactured prior to that time. The barrel has three unclear Birmingham style proofmarks on the left and is fitted with blade front and notch rear sights. The side plate is similar to those used on English fowling pieces from 1720-1770. There is some light floral engraving at the rear of the lock plate, the buttplate tang and on the trigger guard. It includes a flared wooden ramrod.

Fair. The barrel, lock and percussion conversion hammer/nipple have a brown patina with extensive moderate to deep pitting. The brass components have an aged patina with a darker patina on the buttplate. The stock has a dent above the lock plate, damage on the forend along the edge and at the tip, various scratches and dents and some light blue specks. The action holds full-cock and functions. The markings are clear aside from the proofs on the barrel.