{"product_id":"original-british-13-bore-double-barrel-percussion-shotgun-by-george-hollins-with-laminated-steel-barrels-circa-1860","title":"Original British 13 Bore Double Barrel Percussion Shotgun by George Hollins with Laminated Steel Barrels - Circa 1860","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is a British-made Double Barreled Percussion shotgun, almost certainly intended for the large U.S. import market. It is marked on both lock plates with \u003cstrong\u003eGEORGE HOLLINS\u003c\/strong\u003e, who we have not been able to identify as either a British maker or U.S. Importer. There is some lovely acanthus-leaf foliate engraving on the locks and other fittings, and the stock has some lovely checkering on the wrist and forestock area, though it is worn.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe barrel strap still has a clear marking on the top of the barrel strap:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLONDON LAMINATED STEEL\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis means that the barrel was forged using multiple pieces of metal laminated together and then twisted, which is one of the standard ways these were made at the time, prior to the introduction of modern steel. Many gun barrels of the 19th century were made from nails, stubs, chains, and even horseshoes, as the wear and use of these items resulted in superior barrels when they were forged and twisted. The finish on the barrels is faded to a pleasing gray patina, but the spiral lines are still faintly apparent. The double barrel assembly is 26\" in length, an the shotgun has an overall length of 42\".\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bottoms of each barrel bear the correct Birmingham proof marks, including the \u003cstrong\u003eCROWN \/ CROSSED SCEPTERS \/ BPC\u003c\/strong\u003e \"proof\" and \u003cstrong\u003eCROWN \/ CROSSED SCEPTERS \/ V\u003c\/strong\u003e \"viewed\" marks. There is also the \u003cstrong\u003eCROWN \/ \u003cem\u003eBP\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e definitive proof, and a \u003cstrong\u003e13\u003c\/strong\u003e marking, indicating \"13 bore\" or about .710\". There are additional \u003cstrong\u003eCROWN \/ CROSSED SCEPTERS \/ V\u003c\/strong\u003e markings on both sides of the breech plug. These are the markings used from 1855 onwards for percussion shotguns, so we estimate it was produced about 1860. We also see a \u003cstrong\u003e283\u003c\/strong\u003e marking next to the barrel wedge fitting, which matches the 283 on the top of the fore stock under the barrel. Additinoally there is a \u003cstrong\u003eJ.W\u003c\/strong\u003e that could be a maker marking, and \u003cstrong\u003eH\u003c\/strong\u003e would could stand for \"Hollins\".\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis very nice DOUBLE BARREL 12 bore Percussion Shotgun presents very nicely, with a lovely patina of age. The plain walnut stock is lovely, and has a lovely aged red brown color to it, though it definitely does show evidence of wear and recent refinishing, which was very well done. The carved in checkering around the wrist and fore stock is visible, but worn down to the level of the rest of the stock. The shotgun's fittings are all of iron except for a small round escutcheon on the bottom of the butt stock. The metalwork shows lovely original engraving throughout, which is very well executed and just a bit faded from wear. This definitely looks to have been a rather upmarket example.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBoth locks are functional, however neither holds correctly at half cock, and this position is also very close to the cap nipple cones, which are recent brass replacements. Under the barrel is a lovely original brass tipped ramrod rod, which definitely looks to be original.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a great looking gun by a known London maker, and would look perfect mounted on the wall.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications-\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYear of Manufacture: c.1860\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCaliber: 13 Bore \/ Gauge - about 0.710\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCartridge Type: Powder \u0026amp; Shot with Cap\u003cbr\u003eBarrel Length: 26 Inches\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOverall Length: 42 Inches\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAction type: Side Action Locks\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFeed System: Muzzle Loaded\u003cbr\u003eFederal Classification: Pre-1899 Antique\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNOTE: 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45355860328517,"sku":"ONJR26JUMS081","price":995.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONJR26JUMS081.jpg?v=1784144591","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-british-13-bore-double-barrel-percussion-shotgun-by-george-hollins-with-laminated-steel-barrels-circa-1860","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}