Double-Barreled Flintlock Fowling Piece
c. 1820
Medium
Steel, iron, walnut, and platinum
Dimensions
L. 120.6 cm (47 1/2 in.) Barrel L. 81 cm (31 7/8 in.) Caliber .68 Wt. 6 lbs. 10 oz.
Classification
firearm-long gun
Department
Applied Arts of Europe
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
116698
Art Historical Context
Crafted around 1820 by the renowned English gunsmith Joseph M, this double-barre flintlock fowling exemplifies the pinnacle of early 19th-century firearm design. Measuring 120.6 cm in length with 81 cm barrels .68 caliber, it weighs just over 6 pounds, balancing power and portability for bird hunting. Made from durable steel and iron for the barrels and mechanisms, walnut for elegantly shaped stock, and rare platinum—likely for fine inlays or accents—this shotgun was both a practical tool and a luxury object, reflecting the era's fusion of engineering and artistry. Joseph Manton, often called...