Original Item: Only One Available. This substantial Belgian-made 10 bore fowling piece / shotgun is not marked on the lock plates, and was almost certainly intended for the U.S. Frontier market, which was booming during the 1850-1860s. Domestic production could not keep up with the demand, so fowlers were imported in some quantities from Europe, and were left without maker markings, so the retailer could mark them if desired. This well used fowling piece features all iron mounts with foliate flourishes on all. The gun has an impressive overall length of 50 1/4 inches, with double 34 inch barrels, and really has a great "frontier used" look. The barrel is heavy enough to require two barrel wedges, which come out easily, allowing the barrel assembly to be removed.

The bottom of the barrel bears the E / L G / * in an Oval 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 also the "Perron" or Tower of Liège on the left side of the barrel assembly. There are some other markings, probably assembly and proof marks, as well as 19.6 on both barrels, which is the measured bore in millimeters, correct for a 10 bore fowling piece.

Overall condition is really very good, and the fowling piece is fitted with a lovely walnut stock that features a checkered wrist. The wood has a lovely glow to it, and there is some lovely grain to the wood, particularly in the butt stock. There is no major damage, just overall wear from use, and also the front of the forestock area is split going back from the ramrod pipe. There is also a small chunk missing from the toe of the butt stock Under the barrel is a wooden ramrod, which looks to be a recent display replacement.

The metalwork shows a good amount of wear and patination, definitely looking to have seen long use on the frontier. The original finish is long gone, and there is some evidence of past peppering, now removed. We checked the lock action, and both definitely need work, as we can feel a lot of slop in the mechanics. Neither side is fully functional, with the right lock firing at both full and half cock, while the left side does not even have a half cock position at present. We imagine that the tumblers are quite worn, and we can see that the left hammer has been repaired.

A nice large example of what many Americans carried on the frontier, in great frontier used condition! Ready to hang on the wall and display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: circa 1855
Caliber: 10 gauge / bore (19.6mm)
Cartridge Type: Cap and Powder with Shot
Barrel Length: 34 Inches
Overall Length: 50 1/4 Inches
Action type: Side Action Percussion Locks
Feed System: Muzzle Loaded

NOTE: 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.

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, and are not tested for the 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.