{"product_id":"original-belgian-high-grade-double-barrel-15-bore-percussion-fowling-piece-with-34-english-damascus-barrels-circa-1850","title":"Original Belgian High Grade Double Barrel 15 Bore Percussion Fowling Piece with 34\" 'English' Damascus Barrels - Circa 1850","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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 \u003cstrong\u003eCANONS DAMAS ANGLAIS\u003c\/strong\u003e, 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\u003cstrong\u003e E \/ L G \/ * in an oval\u003c\/strong\u003e, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdditionally, the bottoms of both barrels are also marked with the \u003cstrong\u003eCROWN \/ AF\u003c\/strong\u003e 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 \u003cstrong\u003e17.2\u003c\/strong\u003e, the bore measurement in millimeters, which corresponds to 15 bore \/ gauge, and there are also several number markings, some of which have been overstamped.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOverall 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA beautiful High Grade Belgian double barrel fowling piece, which would look great in any collection! Ready to research and display!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications-\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYear of Manufacture: circa 1850\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCaliber: 17.2mm - 15 bore\/gauge\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCartridge Type: Cap and Powder with Shot\u003cbr\u003eBarrel Length: 34 Inches\u003cbr\u003eOverall Length: 50 Inches\u003cbr\u003eAction type: Side Action Percussion Locks\u003cbr\u003eFeed System: Muzzle Loaded\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNOTE: \u003c\/strong\u003eInternational 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":45248843350085,"sku":"ONJR26FERA039","price":1195.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONJR26FERA039.jpg?v=1783027187","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-belgian-high-grade-double-barrel-15-bore-percussion-fowling-piece-with-34-english-damascus-barrels-circa-1850","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}