Lowe (London, England) Flintlock Long Fowler

Long fowlers such as this one were typically used to hunt game birds and waterfowl.

Circa 1775 English Northeastern (New England) Colonial Flint-lock Long Fowler (single-shot/ muzzle-loading/ black powder/ shot ammunition)  The American Revolution began in New England, where many colonial militiamen were armed with bird guns such as this specimen.  Called long fowlers," these guns were martially loaded with paper cartridges containing "buck and ball" (buckshot and a musket ball) loads.

On April 18, 1775, British troops, attempting to head off rebellion, marched to capture colonial arms at Lexington and Concord, Massachusetts.  They were met by "minutemen" armed primarily with long fowlers.

Soon after, when the same British troops charged Colonial positions on Breed's Hill, near Boston, they again faced rebel troops armed with long fowlers.  After suffering very heavy losses, the British decided to wait for help from England before attempting further military action.  Meanwhile, the Colonies began to frantically manufacture and buy muskets, fusils, carbines, and anything else that would shoot."    - Dr. William L. Roberts, THE AMERICAN LIBERTY COLLECTION; #20