Spanish Flintlock Fowler by Pous (AL3718)

Spanish Flintlock Fowler by Pous. Stockel shows a Pous in Ripoll in 1720. This fowler has the Barcelona City mark in gold sink, and the name “Pous” in the makers sink. The rest of the makers name is not legible. Barcelona and Ripoll are in close proximity so it is possible that Pous worked in Ripoll and later in Barcelona. The city mark for Barcelona is for 1740 and the barrel is dated 1746 thus making this almost a certainty that this fowler was made by Pous in Barcelona in 1746. Barrel length is 42½” and overall length is 57”. This fowler was no doubt one of a pair as this fowler has the name of the city where as the mate would have the makers name on the barrel. The gun has beautiful gold plate on the stock furniture which has floral and shell motifs in relief. The barrel is part round and part octagonal with a chiseled ring at the transition. The frizzen has a grotesque mask inset. The cock has a gold roundel of bust of a person possibly original owner. The lock is engraved with a winged creature killing a snake. The stock is excellent as is the checkering. The barrel has most of its blue. a very striking Spanish fowler!