{"product_id":"original-belgian-16-bore-double-barrel-percussion-fowling-piece-with-twist-forged-barrel-for-the-u-s-frontier-market-circa-1850","title":"Original Belgian 16 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 lovely \"attic fresh\" Belgian-made 16 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. The gun has an overall length of 46 ½ inches, with double 30 ½ inch barrels. We have left it much as we found it, but it definitely has some great restoration potential.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are no markings at all on the exterior of the gun, except for \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFINE TWIST\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e on the barrel rib near the breech end, indicating that the barrel is twist forged. The spiral pattern on the barrel is hard to see, but definitely there, and this method of barrel production resulted in stronger steel. The barrel wedge comes out somewhat easily, though it will remove the escutcheon with it, and the left escutcheon is missing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bottom of the barrel bears the \u003cstrong\u003eE \/ L G \/ * in an Oval\u003c\/strong\u003e proof, indicating manufacture 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 is the number \u003cstrong\u003e7087\u003c\/strong\u003e stamped on the bottom of the center strap just forward of the barrel wedge fitting, as well some single letter proofs and abbreviations, which could indicate who made the barrel and who inspected it.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOverall condition is good, with strong checkering around the wrist, and and a great used look. The stock is missing a bit of wood along the left barrel, which could easily be repaired. It has great \"bones\", and we can see some fantastic figuring in the butt stock, which is close to \"burl\" level, just waiting for some patient cleaning to bring it out. The metalwork is in very good shape, showing a lovely aged brown patina, with no signs of major cleaning or past restoration. The fittings all have lovely engraved designs, which are a bit hard to see due to dried grease and oxidation, but are definitely still strong. Both locks function, however only the right side holds at half cock, probably due to wear on the tumblers. The cap nipple cones look to be original, and show oxidation and wear from use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eA typical example of what many Americans carried on the frontier, in lovely \"attic fresh\" condition. Ready to restore or display as is!\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:  16 gauge \/ bore (.663\")\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: 46 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":42066642534469,"sku":"ONSV24DWG023","price":795.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONSV24DWG023__00.jpg?v=1728507350","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-belgian-16-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"}