Fowlers

J.P. Beck worked as a gunsmith from the late 1760's to 1811 in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania.

Made in America, this example is patterned after a British-style fowler of the 1765-1768 time period incorporating many British characteristics in the architecture, engraving and carving elements. The wooden stock was typically curly maple instead of walnut which was commonly used in England.

This Officer’s Fusil is patterned after a fowler made by James Barbar, circa 1757-1759. The 37 ¼” barrel makes for a light weight and easy to handle smoothbore.  Some, but not all, officer’s fusils had provisions for bayonets such as this example.

Bucks County Fowler (1790-1805) This is a typical Fowler of the late 18th century, early 19th century. It represents the style of the gunmakers from the Bucks County, Pennsylvania area.

The Lancaster County court records of 1767 have John Newcomer listed as a gunsmith.  In 1780, the tax records called Newcomer, “Old John Gunsmith”.  He died in 1782.  Later in 1793, his son was also listed in the tax records as a gunsmith in York County, Pennsylvania. This Newcomer, early Lancaster fowler is patterned after [...]