Original Belgian 13 Gauge Double Barrel Hammer Coach Shotgun for U.S. Market with "Hollywood" Wells Fargo Markings - circa 1880
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Original Item: Only One Available. Imported in great quantities in the 1880's and 1890's were these Belgian made Double Barrel Shoguns, used all over the American West. However in this case the barrel length has been reduced to a tad over 19", most likely for Coach or Railway Use, and carried during the Industrial strife of the period. The standard top lever pushes to the side, opening the chambers for reloading. The barrel strap is marked CAST STEEL.. The locks however are totally unmarked, so this may be a gun that was imported by a smaller operation, and sold as received. Most retailers would have added their name to the lock plates and elsewhere.
At some point after manufacture however, the hammer shotgun was dressed up, possibly for a "Hollywood" type production, and stamped with 640 W. F. on the metalwork and wood in several locations, and also had W F carved into the left side of the stock. The left side of the receiver was stamped with: WELLS FARGO CO. / SAN FRANCISCO. There is very little chance that this is an actual Wells Fargo used gun, so we can only assume it was done to make it look better for theater productions. It has a great "well used" look that would indicate the metalwork was cleaned multiple times over a long time period.
Removing the forestock allows the barrels to be removed from the receiver, showing serial number 16911 on the barrel assembly, receiver watertable, and forestock attachment hardware. This also reveals the markings on the barrel underside of both the"Perron" or "Tower of Liège" proof mark as well as E / L G / * in an oval, indicating manufacture and inspection in Liège, Belgium. After 1891 there would be a "Crown" added to the oval for breechloading guns, which means that this is definitively a Pre-1899 Antique Firearm. There are additional proofs, and the right barrel is marked on the bottom 18.2 for the bore diameter in millimeters, which corresponds to 13 gauge, which in the late 19th century was actually a relatively popular cartridge, even into the early 20th century.
The shotgun functions well, with the action breaking open correctly and the extractor / ejector presenting well. The firing pins are both movable, though the springs inside, if there were any, are now no longer working. Both locks function, and are of the rebounding type, which means they also have no half cock position, as it was not needed. The stocks show wear but are still quite colorful, with a nice lightweight finish on both. The butt stock has some lovely curl to the grain, and is fitted with a lovely horn butt pad.
In very nice presentable condition, ready to hang on the wall, or maybe help make some more movies!
Specifications-
Year of Manufacture: circa 1880
Caliber: 18.2mm - 13 gauge
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 19 1/8 inches
Overall Length: 35 5/8 Inches
Action type: Side Action Locks with External Hammer
Feed System: Top Break with Top Lever
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.
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