Original Belgian 10 bore Double Barrel Percussion Shotgun for the U.S. Frontier Market - circa 1850
-
Original Item: Only One Available. This Belgian-made 10 bore 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 shotguns were imported in some quantities from Europe.
The shotgun features all iron engraved mounts, except for the barrel wedge escutcheons, which are nickel silver. There is also some very nice nickel inlay work near the base of the barrels. The locks are heavily engraved as well, giving it a great look. The gun has an overall length of 48 inches, with double 32" inch barrels.
We can just make out some engraving on the barrel rib between the two barrels which looks like:-
REAL TWIST
This indicates that it is a twisted steel barrel, one of the common ways of forging shotgun barrels at the time.
We pulled off the barrel assembly, and barrels are marked on the underside with as E / L G / * in an oval under the stock, indicating manufacture and inspection 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 additional markings on the underside of the barrels, which are proof and specification markings.
The shotgun breaks down correctly by removing the barrel wedge, which allows the barrel markings to be seen. Both locks function correctly, holding at half cock and firing at full, though the right side may fire at half cock if pulled hard.
Overall condition is quite good, with strong checkering around the wrist, and a lovely patina. The original ramrod is missing, now replaced with a display rod that is not full length. There is also deformation to the ends of both barrels.
A typical example of what many Americans carried on the frontier, ready to display!
Specifications-
Year of Manufacture: circa 1850
Caliber: 19.69mm = 10 gauge / bore
Cartridge Type: Cap and Powder with Shot
Barrel Length: 32 Inches
Overall Length: 48 1/4 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.
- 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. 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.
We Buy Military Antiques
Our team expert buyers travels the world to pay fair prices for entire estate collections to singular items.
START SELLING TODAY
