Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. Here we have a very upmarket British-made Double Barreled Hammer shotgun, most likely intended for the large U.S. import market. It is marked on both lock plates with G. HEMENWAY, a known maker of SxS shotguns that unfortunately there is not much information about. They may have only existed for a short period of time, or may have been one of many "trade names" used to retail guns in England and abroad.
We believe that this somewhat upmarket example was made circa 1875 based on markings, and the barrel strap still has a clear marking near the breech:
G. HEMENWAY LONDON FINE DAMASCUS
It indicates that the barrel is "Damascus" forged, resulting in a lovely pattern due to the laminated nature of the steel, which also adds strength. The finish on the barrels is faded to a gray patina, but the distinctive texture of the steel grain is still visible throughout the barrels.
The bottoms of each barrel bear the correct Birmingham proof marks, including the CROWN / CROSSED SCEPTERS / BPC "proof" and CROWN / CROSSED SCEPTERS / V "viewed" marks. There is also the CROWN / BP definitive proof, and a 14 marking, indicating "14 bore" or about .693". There are additional markings, possibly makers initials. The "table" of the shotgun receiver has an additional "viewed" marking. These are the markings used from 1855 to 1875, after which markings were taken for both the bore and muzzle, so this shotgun was most likely made around 1875. The shotgun is also marked with serial number 347 on the bottom of both barrels, on the fore stock fitting, and on the "table" by the breech, so this is a matched example with no parts swapped out.
This lovely DOUBLE BARREL 14 gauge Hammer Shotgun presents very nicely, with a lovely patina of age, showing moderate handling and use. It is all iron mounted, and features lovely engraving on almost all of the hardware, particularly the frame and side action locks. These have oval panels showing game fowl in flight, which are present in many areas. It has a great checkered wrist on the butt stock, and the fore stock is checkered as well, though it is a bit worn. Originally intended for hunting and home defense these saw a lot of use on the Frontier and were supplied to both Stage Coach Lines and Railroads.
The action still functions correctly, with the breech opening and the ejector presenting, and both firing pins are movable, though the springs are broken or were never present. The side action locks are the "rebounding" type, which strike the firing pin and then return to battery. They do not have a half cock position for this reason. The breech is a later "top lever" design, very common around the world in the late 19th century, replacing earlier side and under lever types. We checked the bores of the barrels, and they do show signs of past cleaning and removed oxidation and fouling.
The "pistol grip" rear stock has a lovely color, showing no major damage, and is fitted with what looks to be a hard rubber or composition butt pad, which has a stag head on it. There is a very nice "shield" shaped escutcheon on the bottom of the butt stock. The bottom toe of the butt stock has small wood graft repair, where part of the butt pad is missing. The fore stock shows a bit more wear, but also no cracking, and definitely is a bit darker in color. It removes easily using the lever on the bottom. The horn or wood inlay at the very front is missing.
A very nice antique British hammer shotgun, ready to research and display!
Specifications-
Year of Manufacture: c.1875
Caliber: about .693" 14 gauge / bore - 3 inch chambers
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 38 3/8 Inches
Overall Length: 45 1/4 Inches
Action type: Side Action Locks with External Hammers
Feed System: Top Break with Top Lever
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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