{"product_id":"original-british-fully-restored-11-gauge-double-barrel-hammer-shotgun-serial-9205-by-e-james-co-with-damascus-barrels-circa-1875","title":"Original British Fully Restored 11 Gauge Double Barrel Hammer Shotgun Serial 9205 by E. James \u0026 Co. with Damascus Barrels - Circa 1875","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is marked on both lock plates with \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eE JAMES \u0026amp; Co.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e, a known maker of upmarket shotguns during the late 19th century. Enos\/Enoch James \u0026amp; 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eE. JAMES \u0026amp; Co. LOVEDAY S'T BIRM'M\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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 \u003cstrong\u003eP.A. ALTWAEIR\u003c\/strong\u003e while the left is marked \u003cstrong\u003eHARRISBURG\u003c\/strong\u003e. 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!\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\u003e11\u003c\/strong\u003e 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 \u003cstrong\u003e9205\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA 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!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications-\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYear of Manufacture: c.1875\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCaliber: about .751\" 11 gauge \/ bore - 3 inch chambers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge\u003cbr\u003eBarrel Length: 31 3\/4 Inches\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOverall Length: 48 Inches\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAction type: Side Action Locks with External Hammers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFeed System: Top Break with Top Lever\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":43449658277957,"sku":"ONJR25JYAU001","price":1295.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONJR25JYAU001__02.jpg?v=1755714281","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-british-fully-restored-11-gauge-double-barrel-hammer-shotgun-serial-9205-by-e-james-co-with-damascus-barrels-circa-1875","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}