General Samuel McClellan Military Fowler Built by Joel White

Description:

General Samuel McClellan Military Fowler Built by Joel White, c. 1775, cherry stock with a French-style butt, brass buttplate with bayonet storage area, silver escutcheon plate, silver side plate in the shape of a serpent engraved with foliate designs and "SMC," lock plate with a step tail engraved with foliate designs and "JOEL/WHITE," barrel engraved with foliate designs and "JOEL WHITE" on the flat sighting plane, brass ramrod pipes, iron ramrod, brass nose cap and made to accept a fusil-style bayonet, barrel lg. 50 1/2, overall lg. 66 1/2 in.

Provenance: By direct descent in the McClellan family.

Note: Joel White was born in Sutton, Massachusetts, in 1747 and worked as a gun maker until about 1800. Samuel McClellan was born in Worcester, Massachusetts, in 1730. He moved to Killingly, Connecticut, and served as an Ensign, as well as a Lieutenant during the French and Indian War. Prior to the start of the American Revolution, he helped to train and equip the county militia. After receiving word of the British expedition to Concord, Massachusetts on April 19th, 1775, he set off with his company to Boston. He was in the Battle of Bunker's (Breeds) Hill on June 17th, 1775, and was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in 1776. By the end of the Revolution he had been promoted to General. George Washington had asked him to take a commission in the Continental Army, but he remained in Connecticut overseeing troops in the New London area. General McClellan was the great-grandfather of General George B. McClellan and Major Henry B. McClellan.
Estimate $20,000-30,000

Stock has a few dings and nicks, and there is a period-replaced forend, possibly by Joel White. The lock has been reconverted.


The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Condition requests can be obtained via email (lot inquiry button) or by telephone to the appropriate gallery location (Boston/617.350.5400 or Marlborough/508.970.3000). Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner Inc. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.

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