I got one too!

[A. Grignon]

Crazy that MnLineman and I both found a lock plate today. I can read what appears to be "Praire" and then below "St. Estienne", also some slight engraving on the end too.
Having a hard time deciphering these engravings. I have come up with this so far :

Their typical hunter’s gun (fusil de chasse) was light and well balanced to satisfy the woodsmen (voyageurs, coureurs de bois) and Indian allies. Most were made in Tulle or St. Etienne and averaged 60” in length with a 441⁄2” pinned octagonal/round barrel (.62 caliber) on a walnut stock featuring a high comb, a Roman nose butt, plus raised carving and a fore-end extending to the muzzle.

[Lucas]

Nice repro here:



I have seen that sideplate before. Dug in the UP.



Hope you find some more of it