Original Belgian High Grade Double Barrel 15 Bore Percussion Fowling Piece with 34" 'English' Damascus Barrels - Circa 1850
In stock
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Original Item: Only One Available. This lovely high grade Belgian-made 15 bore percussion fowling piece / shotgun is not marked on the lock plates, and was almost certainly made for export, very possibly 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 beautiful fowling piece features all iron mounts with foliate acanthus leaf "bank note" style engravings on all. The gun has an impressive overall length of 50 inches, with double 34 inch barrels, and really has a great look, with a high level of ornamentation, and also a great figured wood butt stock with a carved in cheek piece.
The breech end of the barrel assembly has some lovely foliate silver inlay, as well as two silver lines in front of the cap nipple cone bolsters. The top strap is inlaid in gold with CANONS DAMAS ANGLAIS, or "English Damascus barrels", and the barrels and top strap clearly show the beautiful pattern of the laminated steel. However, while they may be "English" style, as far as we can tell they are not English made, as removing the barrel wedge and removing the barrel shows an E / L G / * in an oval, indicating manufacture and inspection 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.
Additionally, the bottoms of both barrels are also marked with the CROWN / AF mark of Belgian firm of August Francotte, a prolific maker of firearms located in Liège. Over the years the firm produced many styles of arms from sporting to military for a variety of makers and governments. Founded in 1810, the company was still in operation until the WWII era. The right barrel is marked with 17.2, the bore measurement in millimeters, which corresponds to 15 bore / gauge, and there are also several number markings, some of which have been overstamped.
The metalwork does show wear and oxidation, with the original finish worn to a light gray patina, however the engraving is still well-preserved, and we do not see any major past peppering or oxidation. We checked the lock action, and the right side is fully functional, holding at half cock and firing at full, while the left side does not hold at the half cock position, which is also so close to the cap nipple cone that it serves no purpose. The cap nipple cones show past fouling and wear, but look to be original.
Overall condition is really very good, and the fowling piece is fitted with a lovely figured stock that features a checkered wrist, as well as a "pistol grip" style trigger guard for a more secure hold. The wood has a lovely glow to it, and there is some lovely grain to the wood, particularly in the butt stock, which shows some great "flame" figuring.. There is no major damage such as cracks, chunks missing, or repairs, just light overall wear from use. There is a lovely original brass fitted ramrod under the barrel, which has a clearing worm on the narrow end.
A beautiful High Grade Belgian double barrel fowling piece, which would look great in any collection! Ready to research and display!
Specifications-
Year of Manufacture: circa 1850
Caliber: 17.2mm - 15 bore/gauge
Cartridge Type: Cap and Powder with Shot
Barrel Length: 34 Inches
Overall Length: 50 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.
- This product is available for international shipping.
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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.
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