"Fine Damascus Steel" Written on Top. Thats all I can find. Hammers are strong, barrels clear, beautiful old girl! Pics coming if they aren't already uploaded by Jim.
"Fine Damascus Steel" Written on Top. Thats all I can find. Hammers are strong, barrels clear, beautiful old girl! Pics coming if they aren't already uploaded by Jim.
Nice old shotgun for some of you BP folk...
video... 10Ga BP shotgun .mov - Google Drive
That looks like it's a front stuffer. I would put it as 1850s or 1860s, possibly as far back as 1830s, right offhand. Keep in mind I am no where near an expert. It does look to have the original rod, which is a huge bonus towards value. In the pics, I'm not seeing any evidence of any repairs. Also a very good thing. I wish I could be more help, but am not anywhere near a computer to be able to see the pics better. In the 1860s and 1870s is where the switch from front stuffer to paper shells happened, which helps you date that just a bit. My recommendation would be to get in touch with a very good shotgun Smith, to help with much more. There might be someone on here who hasn't seen this yet, as well. Possibly a very frequented black powder forum, or shotgun forum.
There should be proof marks on the bottom of the barrels. Remove the rod, place the hammers on half cock, and push out the wedge. The barrels should tip out.
I suspect the gun is Belgian, based on the general style, in particular the shape of the ramrod pipes. It appears to be a medium quality gun.
Wipe out the bores, then drop in a small flashlight. You will be able to get a good idea of the condition of the bores.
The gun looks to be in respectable condition. It was no doubt cared for when in use. If the bores are decent, it might make a fine shooter.
I would estimate its value at $300-$500.
Depending on proof marks it could have been made up to turn of the century. Lot of the shotgun an rifle guys were still using black powder to hunt with. This looks like a standard grade of shotgun. meaning no metal engraving an such. A working man's gun. 10ga being used for market hunting all thur that era. Check under the barrels for proof marks. this will tell you alot of information.
I wonder if it could be British. I would agree that it could be a basic grade shotgun except for one thing, which is the gold engraving on the barrel. Usually the higher grade guns had the lettering picked out in gold. The gun looks to be in fine shape==agree with the previous poster who suggested popping the barrels off and posting some pictures of the proof marks as that can tell a lot. The British had the BP while the Belgian ones have an ELC in a circle. And while Belgium did produce a lot of lower quality guns, they also turned out very good stuff. IF the bores were good in that I would purchase it just to use in a trap competition for fun.
Ed
I think boltaction may have something there. The gold filled writing, and the pearl sight suggests that it's not your basic shotgun, but a slightly higher grade. The bit of engraving on the locks also suggests that much, at least.
https://www.milsurps.com/vbpgimage.p...9&d=1630807815
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So a Belgium gun. 1811-1892 as far as the ELG circle and star stamp might indicate. I saw a lot of mention of an 18.0 stamp, but I think this is a 19.0 stamped.
18mm for 12ga.
It looks to be an average quality gun in respectable condition. Bore condition will determine whether it is a shooter or not. Hopefully the bores are as good as the exterior.
So, this being a 10ga the 19mm makes sense. There's brown surface rust throughout the bores. No pitting I can see. Some Ballistol on a brush ought do the trick.Quote:
Originally Posted by tiriaq