Original Item: Only One Available. This Belgian-made 10 bore fowling piece / shotgun is unsigned on the exterior, but is most likely intended for the U.S. Frontier market, which was booming during the 1850s. Domestic production could not keep up with the demand, so fowlers were imported in some quantities from Europe.

The fowling piece features all iron lightly engraved mounts, except for the barrel wedge escutcheons, which are nickel silver. The locks are heavily engraved as well, giving it a great look. The gun has an overall length of 47 inches, with double 31 inch barrels. It is offered in "attic fresh" condition, only lightly cleaned and perfect for hanging on the wall.

We can just make out some engraving on the barrel rib between the two barrels which looks like:-

This indicates that it is a twisted steel barrel, one of the common ways of forging shotgun barrels at the time. We were not able to remove the barrel assembly, which seems to be frozen at the joint with the tang. However the left side of the barrel is marked with both "Perron" Tower of Liège, indicating manufacture in 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.

Overall condition is good, with strong checkering around the wrist, and a lovely patina. There is even some nice "flame" figure on the butt stock. The metalwork shows a worn used patina, especially on the barrel, acquired from years of cleaning and use. Both locks function, however due to wear on the tumbler they will both fire at half and full cock. The ramrod looks to be a working life replacement, however it does have a clearing screw "worm" on one end, so it is functional.

A typical example of what many Americans carried on the frontier, in lovely worn condition and ready to display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: circa 1850
Caliber:  10 gauge / bore
Cartridge Type: Cap and Powder with Shot
Barrel Length: 31 Inches
Overall Length: 47 Inches
Action type: Back 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.

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.