Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice U.S. 18 Bore fowling piece is signed S.C. PHILLIPPE on both lock plates, a name that we have unfortunately not been able to locate. From information we received with the piece, this name may be associated with Easton, Pennsylvania. We checked under the barrel, but it is completely unmarked, which is definitely typical for mid 19th century U.S. shotguns. There was no proof house or gun-making guild / company in the united states, so they had no system of markings for privately purchased arms, just for military issued arms.
The fowling piece features all iron mounts with lovely foliate engraving throughout. It looks like the lock plates and maybe the trigger guard had small hunting scenes, but wear to the fittings has unfortunately made these faint. The gun has an overall length of 45 inches, with double 30 inch barrels. The barrel top strap is not marked, however it still shows a clear spiral forging pattern on the exterior. This method of barrel production resulted in stronger steel, and was very common among more upmarket examples. The barrel wedge comes out somewhat easily, allowing the underside of the barrel to be seen, though as mentioned previously, there is no information listed there.
Overall condition is good, with some lovely checkering around the wrist, and and a great used look. The stock does not have any missing chunks, however there is a repair forward of the trigger guard, with multiple small walnut dowels driven into the stock to stabilize it. The checkering is now a bit worn, however we can see some fantastic figuring in the butt stock, which is close to "burl" level.
The metalwork is in very good shape, showing a lovely aged brown patina, though there has definitely been wear and cleaning over the years, which has made many of the designs faint. Both locks are fully functional, holding at half cock and firing at full. The cap nipple cones are in great shape, having been replaced sometime in the past. Under the barrel is a lovely original brass tipped cleaning rod, which has a cleaning worm with a brass cover on the other end. We very rarely see these with real ramrods, most have been lost long ago.
A typical example of what many Americans carried on the frontier, in lovely condition. Ready to research and hang on the wall!
Specifications-
Year of Manufacture: circa 1850
Caliber: 18 gauge / bore (.637")
Cartridge Type: Cap and Powder with Shot
Barrel Length: 30 Inches
Overall Length: 45 Inches
Action type: Side 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.
- Not eligible for payment with Paypal or Amazon