Original British 10 Bore Double Barrel Percussion Shotgun by E.M. Reilly & Co. with Figured Stock - circa 1865
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Original Item: Only One Available. Here we have a typical British-made Double Barreled Percussion shotgun, almost certainly intended for the large U.S. import market. It is marked on both lock plates with E. M. REILLY & Co., and the barrel strap is marked as follows:
E·M·REILLY & Co. NEW OXFORD STREET LONDON·
This company was a very well known maker of hunting guns during the mid-late Victorian era, and there is much information available on the internet regarding their guns and the many advancements they made with regards to double guns such as this. There is a great thread on the Double Gun Shop forum regarding the maker, with a full chronology: E.M. Reilly History - Chronology - Serial Numbers. Using this information we believe this shotgun was made approximately during 1865.
The finish on the barrels is faded to a lovely polished patina, and we do not see any signs of spiral or stub forging, so it is most likely fitted with cast steel barrels. The double barrel assembly is 32" in length, an the shotgun has an overall length of 48 1/4".
The barrel wedge removes somewhat easily, and bottom of each barrel is marked with serial number 14211, which matches the numbers stamped on the top of the stock under the barrel assembly. We can also see this very faintly engraved into the tang of the trigger guard. Under this each barrel is marked with a CROWN / GP "Gunmakers" or "Definitive Proof" and the bore size of 10, with a CROWN / V "Viewed" marking and "Rampant Lion" over a stylized "G". There are additional "viewed" markings on both side of the breech plug. These are the correct proof markings from the London Gun Company proof house for a percussion shotgun / fowling piece made from 1855 to 1868.
This very nice DOUBLE BARREL 10 bore Percussion Shotgun presents very nicely, with a lovely patina of age. The figured walnut stock is lovely, and has a lovely red brown color to it, with no signs of refinishing, and the checkering around the wrist is really in great shape, as is the fore stock checkering. Side from a missing sliver on the left side of the fore stock, the woodwork is without damage, and the figuring on both sides of the butt stock is exceptional. The shotgun's fittings are all of iron except for the nickel silver barrel oval escutcheon on the bottom of the butt stock. The metalwork shows lovely original engraving throughout, which can be a bit hard to see in areas due to wear, but is very well executed.
Both locks are fully functional, holding correctly at half cock and firing at full. We did notice however that a portion of the right side hammer "cup" is broken away. Both cap nipple cones are present and look to be original, however both show a good amount of use, with powder burn and past oxidation present. Under the barrel is a lovely original brass tipped cleaning rod, which actually still has an original clearing worm under a brass cover on the other end, so it's definitely an original example.
This is a great looking gun by a known London maker, and would look perfect mounted on the wall. Ready to display!
Specifications-
Year of Manufacture: c.1865
Caliber: 10 Bore / Gauge - about 0.775
Cartridge Type: Powder & Shot with Cap
Barrel Length: 31 7/8 Inches
Overall Length: 48 1/4 Inches
Action type: Side Action Locks
Feed System: Muzzle Loaded
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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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