This gun is a classic T. Ketland & Co. trade gun from the late 18th century or early 19th century. While these would have been made in large numbers, relatively few survive. They were made for export to North America and were purchased for both commercial sales and used as trade goods with Native Americans, including at the U.S. government trade posts (aka factories). Per our consignor, this trade gun is pictured on pages 296 and 297 of "The Firearms of the Fur Trade Vol. 1" by the Museum of the Fur Trade. Others of the same pattern are shown on the following two pages. The smoothbore barrel has a post front sight, notch rear sight, and Tower private proof marks (pre-1811). The lock is marked "T/KETLAND/& Co." The brass furniture is typical of the Ketland fowling pieces and has some simple engraving. The wrist escutcheon is inscribed "PD."

Good with a mix of applied brown finish and dark brown patina on the lock and barrel, reconverted lock with mild pitting and partially obscured markings, aged patina on the brass furniture, and general moderate to heavy overall wear. The stock is also good and has a spliced and cracked forend, material absent at the breech and nose of the lock, and some additional cracks and chips. Mechanically fine.