Northwest Trade Gun
Northwest Trade guns are very distinctive, with a smooth-bore, relatively short barrel and a serpent, often called a dragon, sideplate. These firearms were made in England and given by the English to Native Americans. This example was most likely native used and has been decorated with copper alloy tacks on the stock.
The condition of this object was very poor. There were major cracks in the stock around the lock and the rear of the barrel. One piece of the stock even appeared to be entirely loose, only held in place by the metal components of the firearm.
The exterior surfaces of the firearm were dry cleaned with sponges before disassembly began. It became obvious when the disassembly started that the condition of the firearm was worse than exterior examination revealed. Once the sideplate, lockplate, trigger guard, and trigger plate were removed, the stock came apart in two large pieces and several smaller fragments. There was adhesive residue on the break edges of the stock indicating that the stock has been previously repaired. However, the adhesive had failed.
During Treatment. Once the metal components were removed, the stock separated into two halves with a number of smaller fragment.
Once the firearm was disassembled to the fullest extent possible, cleaning began. The copper alloy components (the trigger plate, guard, and side plate) had significant corrosion on the interior surfaces. These were cleaned with swabs of mineral spirits. They were also poultices with attapulgus clay and mineral spirits in an attempt to remove corrosion from pitting on the metal surfaces. The iron components were cleaned with ethanol and in some select areas required mechanical cleaning with a scalpel.
The wood break edges were carefully cleaned and it was decided to use an organic adhesive to reassemble the fragments. Because wood expands and contracts with moisture, it is important to use an adhesive that will react similarly in changes to relative humidity. Based on what was available to me at the time, I used a rabbit skin glue. If I was to redo this treatment, I believe I would choose a weaker adhesive, such as a cold tack fish glue.
Overall, the treatment was successful. The firearm is in a more stable condition and the stock has been repaired. However, once the entire object was reassembled, there were very few changes to the exterior appearance.
