Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. This lovely "attic fresh" Belgian-made 16 bore fowling piece / shotgun is unsigned on the exterior, but is most likely intended for the U.S. Frontier market, which was booming during the 1850s. Domestic production could not keep up with the demand, so fowlers were imported in some quantities from Europe. The fowling piece features all iron mounts with simple line engraving around the edges, except for the barrel wedge escutcheons, which are nickel silver. The gun has an overall length of 46 ½ inches, with double 30 ½ inch barrels. We have left it much as we found it, but it definitely has some great restoration potential.
There are no markings at all on the exterior of the gun, except for FINE TWIST on the barrel rib near the breech end, indicating that the barrel is twist forged. The spiral pattern on the barrel is hard to see, but definitely there, and this method of barrel production resulted in stronger steel. The barrel wedge comes out somewhat easily, though it will remove the escutcheon with it, and the left escutcheon is missing.
The bottom of the barrel bears the E / L G / * in an Oval proof, indicating manufacture in Liège, Belgium. This small country, which only gained independence in the early 19th century, had long been a firearms production powerhouse, with Liège being the center of manufacturing. There is the number 7087 stamped on the bottom of the center strap just forward of the barrel wedge fitting, as well some single letter proofs and abbreviations, which could indicate who made the barrel and who inspected it.
Overall condition is good, with strong checkering around the wrist, and and a great used look. The stock is missing a bit of wood along the left barrel, which could easily be repaired. It has great "bones", and we can see some fantastic figuring in the butt stock, which is close to "burl" level, just waiting for some patient cleaning to bring it out. The metalwork is in very good shape, showing a lovely aged brown patina, with no signs of major cleaning or past restoration. The fittings all have lovely engraved designs, which are a bit hard to see due to dried grease and oxidation, but are definitely still strong. Both locks function, however only the right side holds at half cock, probably due to wear on the tumblers. The cap nipple cones look to be original, and show oxidation and wear from use.
A typical example of what many Americans carried on the frontier, in lovely "attic fresh" condition. Ready to restore or display as is!
Specifications-
Year of Manufacture: circa 1850
Caliber: 16 gauge / bore (.663")
Cartridge Type: Cap and Powder with Shot
Barrel Length: 30 ½ Inches
Overall Length: 46 ½ Inches
Action type: Back Action Percussion Locks
Feed System: Muzzle Loaded
NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.
- This product is available for international shipping.
IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.
These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.
Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.
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