Varnum Continentals

Preserving and Sharing Rhode Island History

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You are here: Home / Historic Preservation / [FEATURE EXHIBIT] 17th Century Fowler Birding Gun Restored by the Varnum Continentals

[FEATURE EXHIBIT] 17th Century Fowler Birding Gun Restored by the Varnum Continentals

April 5, 2019 By James Mitchell Varnum

17th Century Fowler Birding Gun
17th Century Fowler Birding Gun

This ancient Fowler was purportedly carried by Thomas Gould of North Kingstown as he patrolled the beaches of Quidnesset watching for Tory and British ships during the American Revolutionary War. It is a conglomeration of early European parts and some crude American-made parts. This old flintlock birding gun dates from the late 1600s to early 1700s. The stock had been broken in three places and was missing the ram rod and ram rod pipes.

It has been lovingly restored by Varnum member, Russ Malcolm, and is on display at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum.

17th Century Fowler Birding Gun
17th Century Fowler Birding Gun
17th Century Fowler Birding Gun
17th Century Fowler Birding Gun
17th Century Fowler Birding Gun

Join the Varnum Continentals for $50!

At only $50 per person annually, membership keeps you in the Varnum loop and supports our efforts to preserve U.S. history and educate the public. Members get a monthly newsletter and can also attend our monthly dinner programs that feature authoritative and engaging speakers on historic and military topics. CLICK HERE TO JOIN NOW!



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Filed Under: Historic Preservation, Museum Exhibits, Varnum Memorial Armory Tagged With: 18th century, featured exhibit, revolutionary war, varnum memorial armory

[DEC. 12 DINNER MEETING] Speaker Greg Banner on The Halifax Disaster

December 3, 2022 By James Mitchell Varnum

In December 1917, a World War I ammunition ship blew up in Halifax Harbour, Nova Scotia. This massive event was listed as the largest man-made explosion in human history prior to atomic weapons and totally devastated the city. Thousands died. Our December speaker, Varnum Member Greg Banner, will describe the background, event, response, and results and discuss aspects of military, nautical, local, and emergency response history.

About the Varnum Continentals

The Varnum Continentals are committed to the preservation of the historic heritage of our community, our state, and our nation. Please take a virtual tour of our museums to learn more about our mission to encourage patriotism. You can participate with us through active membership and/or philanthropic support in our non-profit organization. Donations are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law. Museum tours are welcomed and our facilities may be rented for suitable events.

Our Mission

The Varnum Continentals are committed to encourage patriotism through the Varnum Armory Museum, the Continental Militia, and the James Mitchell Varnum House and thus to preserve, support, and communicate the military history of our community, our state, and our nation.

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