{"product_id":"original-british-14-bore-double-barrel-percussion-fowling-piece-by-william-moore-co-of-london-circa-1870","title":"Original British 14 Bore Double Barrel Percussion Fowling Piece by William Moore \u0026 Co. of London - Circa 1870","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. Here we have a typical British-made Double Barreled Percussion fowling piece (shotgun), possibly intended for the large U.S. import market. It is marked on both lock plates with \u003cstrong\u003eW\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eM\u003c\/span\u003e MOORE \u0026amp; Co\u003c\/strong\u003e, a known London maker with a long history. WILLIAM MOORE was a British Gunsmith, who operated at 78 Edgware Road, London, and worked from 1790 until 1835, after which he took on partners, who continued the firm after his passing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe wide barrel strap still has a faint marking on the top:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLONDON FINE TWIST\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis means that the barrel is \"twist forged\", possibly from nail stubs or some other material. The spiral pattern on the barrel is still visible in areas, though hard to see due to the cleaning the barrel received, which is why removing the barrel is necessary. This method of barrel production resulted in stronger steel. We can see also a faint \u003cstrong\u003e1 3 G A\u003c\/strong\u003e vertical stamping, however this is not correct.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bottoms of each barrel bear the\u003cstrong\u003e CROWN \/ \u003cem\u003eVBP\u003c\/em\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003edefinitive black powder proof mark from the City of Birmingham Proof House, which was first instituted in 1868. We can also see WM stamped on one barrel, for \"William More\", and one barrel is marked with 1\u003cstrong\u003e4\u003c\/strong\u003e, while the other is marked with \u003cstrong\u003e15\u003c\/strong\u003e. Most likely one barrel proved just a bit smaller, so it was marked with 15 bore instead of 14. We measured both barrels, and they are just a bit over spec. It does however look like the muzzle ends of the barrels were cleaned aggressively or possibly reamed a bit to remove oxidation. It should be noted that the right barrel is partly detached from the barrel assembly due to the solder joint failing near the breech end.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis very nice DOUBLE BARREL 14 bore Percussion Shotgun presents very nicely, with a lovely patina of age. The wrist of the stock is finely checkered for a better grip, which is still well retained. The butt stock is also made using lovely figured walnut, which shows a high degree of flame on the left side. The shotgun's fittings are mostly of iron except for a small brass shield-shaped escutcheon on the bottom of the butt stock, which is blank. There is some simple line engraving on the fittings, which is fairly well retained. The barrel wedge can still be removed easily, and the barrel removed with a bit of wiggling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe locks are both functional, however neither will hold at half cock, and the left hammer shows a repair to the base of the spur. The cap nipple cones look to be original and show wear and oxidation on the exterior. There is a brass-tipped wooden ramrod under the barrel, which looks to be original.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a very nice looking gun by a known London maker, and would look perfect mounted on the wall. Ready to display!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications-\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYear of Manufacture: c.1870\u003cbr\u003eCaliber: 14 Bore \/ Gauge - about 0.693\u003cbr\u003eCartridge Type: Powder \u0026amp; Shot with Cap\u003cbr\u003eBarrel Length: 30 3\/4 Inches\u003cbr\u003eOverall Length: 47 Inches\u003cbr\u003eAction type: Side Action Locks\u003cbr\u003eFeed System: Muzzle Loaded\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":43246207500357,"sku":"ONJR25JURE05","price":650.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONJR25JURE05__02.jpg?v=1753905744","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-british-14-bore-double-barrel-percussion-fowling-piece-by-william-moore-co-of-london-circa-1870","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}