Original Item: Only One Available. Here we have a lovely Belgian-made Double Barreled "Top Lever" Hammer shotgun, intended for the large U.S. import market. It is marked on both lock plates with W. H. HAMILTON, a known 'stencil' or import label used during the late 19th century for imported shotguns and other arms. There had been a company by that name, but by the 1890s they were long defunct. The shotgun looks to have had a complete restoration sometime in the past, probably mid 20th century, and not really looks great! The barrel strap still has a faint marking near the breech:

FINE STEEL BELGIUM

The barrels do not look to be spiral or "Damascus" forged, but by the late 19th century metallurgy had improved to the point that it was not entirely necessary anymore. The shotgun breaks open correctly, and the bore stock can be pulled off to take down the shotgun.

The barrel assembly bears the E / L G / * in a "Crowned" oval on the end of both barrels, indicating manufacture and inspection in Liège, Belgium after 1891. This proof had been introduced for exported arms to comply with new proof laws in Germany. There are also various single letter inspector proofs, as well as the "Perron" or Tower of Liège proof. Both barrels are marked with 18.2, indicating the bore diameter in millimeters, which is equivalent to 12 gauge chambering. Both are also marked with a 12 / C in a Diamond marking, indicating that the chambers are 12 gauge, and about 2 1/2 long. There are also some additional proof markings as well. There are no markings for a choke or "Not For Ball", so this example may not be have any choke in the barrels. The underside of the barrel rib is marked with 427 in the middle, with 1549 stamped close  to the muzzle. The "water table" of the shotgun breech area is also marked with the "Perron" or Tower of Liège on the right side, along with serial number 1549, There are some additional proof marks as well.

This lovely DOUBLE BARREL 12 gauge Hammer Shotgun presents very nicely, still retaining the restored finish very well. The action has a lovely "case colored" finish that looks great, and the barrels are a nice dark blued color. There is some lovely engraving on the action, while the barrels are for the most part plain, with some accents hear the breech. It has a great checkered wrist on the "pistol grip" style butt stock, and the fore stock is checkered as well, and both have small dot inlays in the checkering pattern. Originally intended for hunting these saw a lot of use on the Frontier.

The action still functions correctly, with the breech opening and the ejector presenting, and both firing pins still move, though they do not spring back. We do not know if this is just how it is made, or whether the springs are missing and/or broken. The back action "rebounding" locks are both fully functional, with strong action, and they do not have any provision for a "half cock" position, as it was not needed. The breech is a later "top lever" design, very common around the world in the late 19th century, replacing earlier side and under lever types. We checked the bores of the barrels, and they are clean and shiny, but they do show minor signs of past cleaning and removed oxidation and fouling. The refinished stocks are lovely, and would be nearly impossible to improve upon.

A very nice antique Belgian hammer coaching shotgun, imported for the U.S. frontier market! Ready to research and display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: c.1895
Caliber: 12 gauge / bore - 3 inch chambers
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 30 Inches
Overall Length: 35 Inches
Action type: Side Action Locks with External Hammers
Feed System: Top Break with Top Lever

NOTE: This gun is NOT considered obsolete calibre, so we are not able to ship to the United Kingdom. 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.

Note: This gun is NOT considered obsolete calibre, so we are not able to ship to the United Kingdom.

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 most US States and most nations around the world.

These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for 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.