Original Item: only one available. A most interesting Original British Made “Trade” Musket especially designed for use in Canada for trading to the indigenous population (Indians). Built in England in the French style, as that was what the Canadian Indians were used to, having been under French influence for some 200 years, this mirrors the Charlesville Pattern muskets but has a Brown Bess type lock marked TATHAM & SON, LONDON.
TATHAM & EGG started business at 37 Charring Cross Road in London in 1760 and this lasted until 1800 when HENRY TATHAM struck out on his own, at the same address retaining many Government contracts. The firm became TATHAM AND SON (1800-1865) as the next generation joined the enterprise and one of the best known, among many, of the Government Contracts TATHAM are remembered for are the Flintlock Rifles & Muskets especially commissioned for Royal Presentation to Canadian Indian Chiefs which each carried a plaque of Queen Victoria and the Royal Coat of Arms.
Now this musket, circa 1820, is a standard production type trade musket signed by Tatham & Son and has the characteristic rather deep trigger guard loop so often found on trade muskets allowing use with the Indian mitts/gloves in the snow.
Completely honest and basically untouched since it’s appearance from long term storage a couple of years ago this musket represents an important step in North American history of the early 19th century.