{"product_id":"original-belgian-14-bore-double-barrel-percussion-fowling-piece-with-twist-forged-barrel-for-the-u-s-frontier-market-circa-1850","title":"Original Belgian 14 Bore Double Barrel Percussion Fowling Piece with Twist Forged Barrel for the U.S. Frontier Market - circa 1850","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This Belgian-made 14 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 mounts with simple line engraving around the edges, except for the barrel wedge escutcheons, which are nickel silver. \u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eThe gun has an overall length of \u003cspan\u003e45 ½\u003c\/span\u003e inches, with double 30 \u003cspan\u003e½\u003c\/span\u003e inch barrels. It has been fully cleaned and restored to put it in its best light.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are no markings at all on the exterior of the gun, except for \u003cb\u003eTWIST\u003c\/b\u003e on the barrel rib near the breech end, indicating that the barrel is twist forged. The spiral pattern on the exterior of the barrel is still readily apparent, and this method of barrel production resulted in stronger steel. The barrel wedge comes out somewhat easily, and the bottom of the barrel bears the \u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eE \/ L G \/ * in an Oval\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003e proof, indicating manufacture in \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eLiège, Belgium. The left side of the barrel assembly also has the \"Perron\" Tower of Liège proof from Belgium as well. \u003c\/span\u003eThis 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 is the number \u003cstrong\u003e6923\u003c\/strong\u003e stamped on the bottom of the center strap just forward of the barrel wedge fitting, and there are various other numbers, which may be the specifications of the barrels.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOverall condition is good, with strong checkering around the wrist, and and a great used look. The metalwork is in very good shape, showing a lovely aged blue patina, now faded from age and wear. Both locks function, however neither holds at half cock, probably due to wear on the tumblers. The cap nipple cones are both in good shape, though they do not match, so one was replaced at some point. There is a wooden ramrod under the the barrel, but it is definitely not original to the gun.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eA typical example of what many Americans carried on the frontier, in worn condition and ready to display!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications-\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYear of Manufacture: circa 1850\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCaliber:  14 gauge \/ bore (.693\")\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCartridge Type: Cap and Powder with Shot\u003cbr\u003eBarrel Length: 30 ½ Inches\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOverall Length: 45 ½ Inches\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAction type: Back Action Percussion Locks\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFeed System: Muzzle Loaded\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNOTE: 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42033985290309,"sku":"ONJR24SRAM01","price":595.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONJR24SRAM01__01.jpg?v=1726864597","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-belgian-14-bore-double-barrel-percussion-fowling-piece-with-twist-forged-barrel-for-the-u-s-frontier-market-circa-1850","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}