#49 • Northwest Trade Rifle By I. Hollis and Sons

Part of The Ray Howser Firearms Collection, 1931-2026 (timed auction by Lewis & Grant Auctions)

Starting at $250.00

Status: Available

Live bidding starts Nov 20, 2026 10:00 AM EST

.585 bore diameter, 32.5" octagonal to round barrel, NSN. Offered here is an excellent example of a late-19th-century Northwest Trade Gun, manufactured circa 1880–1900 by the renowned English arms firm I. Hollis & Sons of Birmingham. Designed to meet the rigid demands of the North American fur trade and commercial frontier contracts, this smoothbore percussion piece represents the final, highly refined generation of classic Indian trade guns. This specimen features a 32.5-inch barrel transitioning from an octagonal breech to a round muzzle, complete with traditional, hand-incised "wedding band" baluster rings at the transition points. With a .585 bore diameter, this versatile fowling piece was highly favored by frontier trappers and Native American hunters for its ability to fire either a single heavy lead round ball or standard shot loads. The rifle retains its classic flat, Enfield-style percussion lock mechanism and the iconic, oversized loop iron trigger guard—a deliberate design element that allowed a marksman to safely operate the firearm while wearing heavy winter mittens. The iron surfaces are remarkably smooth, completely free of the heavy pitting or erosion commonly associated with black powder field use. The barrel and lock plate have matured into a beautiful, uniform, and untouched smooth brown patina that offers immense visual appeal. True to its active history on the frontier, the stock exhibits light, honest nicks and dings from handling, yet remains structurally robust with no major cracks or splits.