Original British 13 Bore Double Barrel Percussion Shotgun by George Hollins with Laminated Steel Barrels - Circa 1860
In stock
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Original Item: Only One Available. This is a British-made Double Barreled Percussion shotgun, almost certainly intended for the large U.S. import market. It is marked on both lock plates with GEORGE HOLLINS, who we have not been able to identify as either a British maker or U.S. Importer. There is some lovely acanthus-leaf foliate engraving on the locks and other fittings, and the stock has some lovely checkering on the wrist and forestock area, though it is worn.
The barrel strap still has a clear marking on the top of the barrel strap:
LONDON LAMINATED STEEL
This means that the barrel was forged using multiple pieces of metal laminated together and then twisted, which is one of the standard ways these were made at the time, prior to the introduction of modern steel. Many gun barrels of the 19th century were made from nails, stubs, chains, and even horseshoes, as the wear and use of these items resulted in superior barrels when they were forged and twisted. The finish on the barrels is faded to a pleasing gray patina, but the spiral lines are still faintly apparent. The double barrel assembly is 26" in length, an the shotgun has an overall length of 42".
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 13 marking, indicating "13 bore" or about .710". There are additional CROWN / CROSSED SCEPTERS / V markings on both sides of the breech plug. These are the markings used from 1855 onwards for percussion shotguns, so we estimate it was produced about 1860. We also see a 283 marking next to the barrel wedge fitting, which matches the 283 on the top of the fore stock under the barrel. Additinoally there is a J.W that could be a maker marking, and H would could stand for "Hollins".
This very nice DOUBLE BARREL 12 bore Percussion Shotgun presents very nicely, with a lovely patina of age. The plain walnut stock is lovely, and has a lovely aged red brown color to it, though it definitely does show evidence of wear and recent refinishing, which was very well done. The carved in checkering around the wrist and fore stock is visible, but worn down to the level of the rest of the stock. The shotgun's fittings are all of iron except for a small round escutcheon on the bottom of the butt stock. The metalwork shows lovely original engraving throughout, which is very well executed and just a bit faded from wear. This definitely looks to have been a rather upmarket example.
Both locks are functional, however neither holds correctly at half cock, and this position is also very close to the cap nipple cones, which are recent brass replacements. Under the barrel is a lovely original brass tipped ramrod rod, which definitely looks to be original.
This is a great looking gun by a known London maker, and would look perfect mounted on the wall.
Specifications-
Year of Manufacture: c.1860
Caliber: 13 Bore / Gauge - about 0.710
Cartridge Type: Powder & Shot with Cap
Barrel Length: 26 Inches
Overall Length: 42 Inches
Action type: Side Action Locks
Feed System: Muzzle Loaded
Federal Classification: Pre-1899 Antique
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.
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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.
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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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