Post Civil War Norwich Musket Converted To A Fowler -West Expansion Piece

Post Civil War Norwich Musket Converted To A Fowler -West Expansion Piece.  Originally a contract musket issued to troops during the Civil War, this musket was changed over to the current need of the time; a gun for hunting game.

The original barrel still has faint proof markings at the breech, and the lockplate has the US Norwich and eagle forward of the 1861 pattern hammer, and dated 1863. Basically, the musket/fowler utilizes all the original parts, including stock up to the forend. From there, all is new, with over silver wedge plates, pewter nose cap, full wood rib with holds the ramrod pipes, and a ramrod with brass tip. The front sight of the barrel is the original combination sight and bayonet stud. The barrel was bored out for shot loads.

Many musket were modified by veterans, and others, using very little change overall, to the more elaborate types like this which were modified and enhanced into sporting arms by several commercial gun firms, and local gunsmiths. Not knowing fully it’s history of use, it represents the type of arm that was purchased by many travelers heading to a new promising future in the American West.

A well used, but very good conditioned example.