Barnett Northwest Trade Gun
J.E. Barnett & Sons · Rifle · Out Of Production · 1800
Also known as: Northwest Gun, Indian Trade Gun, Mackinaw Gun, Fusil de traite, Barnett Trade Fusil
Overview
The Barnett Northwest Trade Gun is a smoothbore flintlock musket produced by the English gunmaker J.E. Barnett & Sons for the North American fur trade during the early to mid nineteenth century. A light, full-stocked smoothbore chambered for a roughly .60 caliber (24-bore) load, it could fire a single round ball or a charge of shot, making it a versatile arm for hunting and defense on the frontier. Barnett trade guns are recognized by their long octagon-to-round barrels, distinctive brass dragon or serpent sideplate, and enlarged 'wedding band' trigger guard, and were among the most widely distributed trade guns supplied to Native American nations and fur companies such as the North West Company, Hudson's Bay Company, and American Fur Company.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2950 g (104.1 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1473 mm (57.99") |
| Barrel Length | 1067 mm (42.01") |
| Action Type | Muzzleloader |
| Firing Mechanism | Flintlock |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 1 rounds |
| Muzzle Velocity | 300 m/s (984 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 945 J (697 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 45 m (49 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 180 m (197 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Smoothbore |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Brass Furniture |
Calibers
- .60 Caliber Ball · primary — also known as 24-bore, lead round ball, ~15mm bore
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Muzzle Loaded
- Safety mechanisms: Half Cock Notch
- Features: Octagon To Round Barrel, Brass Serpent Sideplate, Full Length Wood Stock, Wedding Band Barrel, Smoothbore For Ball Or Shot
Service history
Operators
- North West Company
- Hudson's Bay Company
- American Fur Company
Conflicts
- War of 1812 (1812-1815)
Production
Production years: c. 1800-1875
Barnett was the dominant supplier of Northwest trade guns; tens of thousands were shipped to the North American fur trade over several decades.
Origin
Country of origin: United Kingdom
Discontinued: 1875
Notes
Also known as a fusil, fuke, or Mackinaw gun. The large brass serpent/dragon sideplate opposite the lock became a hallmark of authentic trade guns, and its presence was often demanded by Native buyers as a mark of quality. Barnett produced more Northwest Indian trade guns than any other maker.
Background
The Northwest Trade Gun was so central to frontier commerce that its value set an informal exchange standard: a gun could be traded for a stack of beaver pelts as tall as the barrel was long, and the brass serpent sideplate became an expected mark of authenticity for Native buyers.