Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. Here we have a typical British-made Double Barreled Percussion shotgun, most likely intended for the large U.S. import market. It is marked on both lock plates with W. CLEMENT, a known maker whose history is not entirely understood. We have seen them usually identified as Walter Clement, though sometimes Walter Clément of Belgium. We would suspect however that they may simply be the importer / exporter who commissioned parts from both Liège, Belgium and Birmingham, England, and sold them to the rapidly expanding U.S. Market. Definitely some great research potential here!
The barrel strap on this relatively utilitarian shotgun still has a relatively clear marking on the top:
LONDON FINE TWIST
It indicates that the barrel is "damascus" forged, resulting in a lovely pattern due to the laminated nature of the steel, which also adds strength. The finish on the barrels is faded to a plum patina, but the spiral forging lines are still apparent on the underside of the barrel. The bottoms of each barrel are also both marked with the bore / gauge 12, and also bear the CROWN / VBP single Birmingham Proof Mark, which began to be used circa 1868. This same proof is also marked on the breech plug, and there is also a (J.W) mark on the bottom, which may be a maker mark for the barrel itself.
This very nice DOUBLE BARREL 12 bore Percussion Shotgun presents very nicely, with a lovely patina of age. The wrist of the stock is finely checkered for a better grip, and the walnut shows some fantastic grain, and a lovely red brown color. The shotgun's fittings are all of iron, with some minimal line engraving. The locks are both fully functional, and correctly hold at half cock, firing at full. The cap nipple cones both look to be relatively recent replacements. Under the barrel is a cane ramrod, which is definitely a display replacement.
This is a very nice British made double barrel 12 gauge shotgun, which would look perfect mounted on the wall. Ready to display!
Specifications-
Year of Manufacture: c.1870
Caliber: 12 Bore / Gauge - about 0.730
Cartridge Type: Powder & Shot with Cap
Barrel Length: 26 Inches
Overall Length: 42 Inches
Action type: Side Action 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.
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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