{"product_id":"original-belgian-12-gauge-double-barrel-hammer-shotgun-by-w-h-hamilton-for-u-s-market-serial-1549-circa-1895","title":"Original Belgian 12 Gauge Double Barrel Hammer Shotgun by W.H. Hamilton for U.S. Market Serial 1549 - circa 1895","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal 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 \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eW. H. HAMILTON\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e, 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:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFINE STEEL \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBELGIUM\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe barrel assembly bears the \u003cstrong\u003eE \/ L G \/ *\u003c\/strong\u003e in a \u003cstrong\u003e\"Crowned\" oval\u003c\/strong\u003e 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 \u003cstrong\u003e\"Perron\"\u003c\/strong\u003e or \u003cstrong\u003eTower of Liège\u003c\/strong\u003e proof. Both barrels are marked with \u003cstrong\u003e18.2\u003c\/strong\u003e, indicating the bore diameter in millimeters, which is equivalent to 12 gauge chambering. Both are also marked with a \u003cstrong\u003e12 \/ C in a Diamond\u003c\/strong\u003e 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 \u003cstrong\u003e427\u003c\/strong\u003e in the middle, with \u003cstrong\u003e1549\u003c\/strong\u003e stamped close  to the muzzle. The \"water table\" of the shotgun breech area is also marked with the \u003cstrong\u003e\"Perron\"\u003c\/strong\u003e or \u003cstrong\u003eTower of Liège \u003c\/strong\u003eon the right side, along with serial number \u003cstrong\u003e1549\u003c\/strong\u003e, There are some additional proof marks as well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA very nice antique Belgian hammer coaching shotgun, imported for the U.S. frontier market! Ready to research and display!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications-\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYear of Manufacture: c.1895\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCaliber: 12 gauge \/ bore - 3 inch chambers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge\u003cbr\u003eBarrel Length: 30 Inches\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOverall Length: 35 Inches\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAction type: Side Action Locks with External Hammers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFeed System: Top Break with Top Lever\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNOTE: 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44928315457605,"sku":"ONSV26GTGS096","price":1195.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONSV26GTGS096.jpg?v=1777474430","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-belgian-12-gauge-double-barrel-hammer-shotgun-by-w-h-hamilton-for-u-s-market-serial-1549-circa-1895","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}