Original Belgian Double Barrel 11 Bore Percussion Fowling Piece for the U.S. Frontier Market with 33 Inch Barrels - circa 1850
In stock
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Original Item: Only One Available. This substantial Belgian-made 10 bore fowling piece / shotgun is not marked on the lock plates, and was almost certainly intended for the U.S. Frontier market, which was booming during the 1850-1860s. Domestic production could not keep up with the demand, so fowlers were imported in some quantities from Europe, and were left without maker markings, so the retailer could mark them if desired. This well used fowling piece features all iron mounts with foliate acanthus leaf flourishes on all. The gun has an impressive overall length of 48 3/4 inches, with double 33 inch barrels, and really has a great "frontier used" look. It it is mostly nickel silver mounted, except for the butt plate, which is iron.
The barrels are "spiral forged", still showing the lovely forging pattern on the surface, in spite of the ware to the original blued finish. The bottom of the barrel assembly 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 are some other markings which look to be inspector proofs as well as assembly markings, but we did not see any bore diameter indication.
The metalwork shows a good amount of wear, definitely looking to have seen long use on the frontier. The original finish is long gone from cleaning, though while there is some peppering on some of the iron markings, there does not look to have been any major oxidation present in the past. We checked the lock action, and both are functional, however a strong trigger pull will cause both sides to fire at half cock due to tumbler wear. The cap nipple cones are in very good shape, looking to have been replaced somewhat recently, and the left side actually has a brass cone.
Overall condition is really very good, and the fowling piece is fitted with a lovely walnut stock that features a checkered wrist. The wood has a lovely glow to it, and there is some lovely grain to the wood, particularly in the butt stock. There is no major damage such as cracks, chunks missing, or repairs, just overall wear from use. There is a lovely original brass fitted ramrod under the barrel, which has a clearing worm on the narrow end.
A nice large example of what many Americans carried on the frontier, in great frontier used condition! Ready to hang on the wall and display!
Specifications-
Year of Manufacture: circa 1850
Caliber: 11 gauge / bore (0.751")
Cartridge Type: Cap and Powder with Shot
Barrel Length: 33 Inches
Overall Length: 48 3/4 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.
- Not eligible for payment with Paypal or Amazon
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in most jurisdictions, antique firearms are legal to own and are generally not subject to the same regulatory requirements as modern firearms. Under U.S. federal law, any firearm manufactured on or before December 31, 1898, is classified as an antique firearm and is not considered a firearm under the Gun Control Act of 1968. As such, no federal license or FFL (Federal Firearms License) transfer is required for purchase or possession. Antique firearms may be legally shipped to all U.S. states and to over 25 countries worldwide via UPS, subject to applicable shipping and import/export restrictions. Please note: Firearms laws vary by country, state, and locality, and are subject to change. It is your responsibility to consult with local law enforcement or a qualified legal professional to ensure compliance with all relevant laws and regulations in your area.
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