Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. Here we have a typical British-made Double Barreled Hammer shotgun, possibly intended for the large U.S. import market. It is marked on both engraved lock plates with C.G. BONEHILL, for Christopher G. Bonehill. He was an English gunmaker from Birmingham, England who began working in 1872 and continued into the early 20th century. He was quite well regarded, and eventually became a guardian of the Birmingham Proof House. The barrel strap still has a clear marking near the breech:
C. G. BONEHILL SPECIAL B.B. LONDON 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. Unfortunately this can now only be seen under the fore stock, as the finish is mostly worn. 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 12 marking, indicating "12 bore" or about .729". THere are additional markings as well, such as the specifications on the "choke" of the barrels.
The shotgun is also serial number marked with 34677 on the bottom of the barrel, on the fitting for the fore stock, and on the top of the receiver inside the hinge joint. Additionally, there are markings for British Patents 1877, 2323, and 3718, all patents granted in the late 1870s - early 1880s to Bonehill, nicely placing the production date for this shotgun in the mid 1880s.
This well used DOUBLE BARREL 12 gauge Hammer Shotgun presents very nicely, with a lovely patina of age It has a great checkered "pistol grip" style butt stock, and the fore stock is checkered as well. 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. This example shows much use, but no abuse, and is still quite solid.
The action still functions correctly, with ejection and dry firing. The rear stock has some lovely curl, and has a very nice gutta percha butt stock pad. Unfortunately it is now missing the bottom toe, and also is cracked and bulging out due to the lead balance in the butt stock expanding. There is also a chunk missing on the left side.
A very nice antique hammer shotgun, ready to research and display!
Specifications-
Year of Manufacture: c.1880
Caliber: about .729" 12 gauge / bore - 3 inch chambers
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 32 Inches
Overall Length: 45 1/2 Inches
Action type: Back Action Locks with External Hammer
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.
- 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. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers". 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.
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