Included in this lot is a Hollis & Sons Hudson Bay Indian Trade musket. Probably one of, if not the, most under appreciated firearm of the North American Frontier, the Northwest Trade Gun dates back to the earliest years of western expansion into the interior of the unexplored continent. Arguably the most established and constant commodity of the fur trade, and traded to Native Americans and European trappers alike, the Northwest Trade Gun was manufactured for over 200 years with only minor changes in the pattern and specifications. By the early eighteen hundreds, the trading companies had established rigid requirements for the Northwest guns. The full-stocked, smooth bore trade guns varied little in shape and style, but underwent changes in barrel lengths. By the late 1820's, the 30” barrel had become popular. A distinctive feature of these guns was the serpent shaped side plate. Most Indians would not trade for a gun that did not have the serpent plate. Hansen states that the earliest record of the Hudson's Bay gun with its distinctive dragon ornament is dated 1805. These simple muskets with their distinctive serpent side plates, oversized trigger guards, and octagon-to-round banded smooth bore barrels continued to be stocked in the inventory of remote trading posts. On the lock plate of this firearm can be found an engraved rack number reading “174/ H”. Through the turn of the 20th Century, these were carried into the mountain ranges, open plains, and vast deserts by the native people who relied on the Northwest Gun’s dependability, simple and importantly, easily repaired mechanics, and readily available ammunition. In short, no other single firearm was carried through as much of American history, from the primeval forests of the east to the shores of the western coast, as were these Northwest Trade Guns. This Hudson Bay Company rifle is a flint lock conversion to percussion and cap. The rifle has crisp British proof cartouches at the breech and evidence of additional cartouches on the sidelock plate. The piece is accompanied with a wooden ramrod and is in functioning condition with the hammer locking back and the trigger releasing it accordingly. The piece has fine honest condition for its age with nice metal finish and handling wear expected on such an early and rare example. The musket comes with a period correct powder horn with brass tacks and rawhide string. No Serial Number. Black powder firearms do not require a FFL Transfer or NICS Background Check.