Original Item: Only One Available. Here we have a very upmarket British-made Double Barreled Hammer shotgun, most likely intended for the large U.S. import market. It has recently been professionally fully restored, and looks fantastic. The case coloring has been refreshed, the barrel bores cleaned and polished, and the stocks restored and refinished. It is really a fantastic looking shotgun, returned to its former glory with a high level of artistry.

It is marked on both lock plates with E JAMES & Co., a known maker of upmarket shotguns during the late 19th century. Enos/Enoch James & Co. was established as gun, rifle and pistol maker during the 1870s on Loveday Street, Birmingham. The firm would then move in 1877 to 36-38 Staniforth Street, Birmingham. In 1889 they took additional premises at 14 St Mary's Row. They produced at least 2 models of shotguns, the "Knickerbocker Club Gun" in at least 2 grades and the "James Club Gun". Both guns had several models in each grade. We unfortunately were not able to locate information on which exact type this is. The barrel strap has the following information marked on it.

E. JAMES & Co. LOVEDAY S'T BIRM'M

The barrels are "Damascus" forged, resulting in a lovely pattern due to the laminated nature of the steel, which also adds strength. The finish on the barrels has been fully refreshed, with the forging artifacts easily visible. We also noticed some additional markings on the the hammers, which look to be replaced examples that can be easily cocked using the thumb. The right hammer is marked P.A. ALTWAEIR while the left is marked HARRISBURG. We do not know if this is a period marking, or something from when it was restored, but we assume the former. Definitely some nice research potential here!

The bottoms of each barrel bear the correct Birmingham proof marks, including the CROWN / CROSSED SCEPTERS / BPC "proof" and CROWN / CROSSED SCEPTERS / V "viewed" marks. There is also the CROWN / BP definitive proof, and a 11 marking, indicating "11 bore" or about .693". There are additional markings, possibly makers initials. The "water table" of the shotgun receiver has an additional "viewed" marking. These are the markings used from 1855 to 1875, after which markings were taken for both the bore and muzzle, so this shotgun was most likely made around 1875. The shotgun is also marked with serial number 9205 on the bottom of both barrels, on the fore stock fitting, and on the "water table" by the breech, so this is a matched example with no parts swapped out.

This lovely DOUBLE BARREL 11 gauge Hammer Shotgun presents very nicely, with all the engraved iron mountings refinished and refreshed. Both locks show some game fowl as well as brush foliage, just like we'd expect to see on this type of hunting shotgun. It has a great checkered wrist on the butt stock, and the fore stock is checkered as well. Originally intended for hunting and home defense these saw a lot of use on the Frontier and were supplied to both Stage Coach Lines and Railroads.

The action still functions correctly, with the breech opening and the ejector presenting, and both firing pins are movable, though the springs are broken or were never present. The side action locks are the "rebounding" type, which strike the firing pin and then return to battery. They do not have a half cock position for this reason. The breech is a later "top lever" design, very common around the world in the late 19th century, replacing earlier side and under lever types. The "pistol grip" rear stock has a lovely color, and is fitted with a horn butt pad and grip bottom plate, which look great. The fully restored stocks are simply great, with a beautiful finish, and would be nearly impossible to improve upon.

A fantastic fully restored late 19th Century British Hammer Shotgun, most likely shipped to the U.S. and retailed in Pennsylvania. Ready to research and display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: c.1875
Caliber: about .751" 11 gauge / bore - 3 inch chambers
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 31 3/4 Inches
Overall Length: 48 Inches
Action type: Side Action Locks with External Hammers
Feed System: Top Break with Top Lever

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.

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.