Original Item: Only One Available. Here we have a very upmarket German-made Double Barreled Hammer shotgun, most likely intended for the large export market, as there is no maker name located anywhere on the gun. It features ornate designs embossed and engraved on virtually the entire frame / receiver area. There is lots of foliate work, with game animals shown on both sides: fowl in flight on the right side, and rabbits and a deer on the left side. The decoration extends onto both the top and bottom of the receiver, with find "pebbled" backgrounds seen in many areas. The trigger guard is heavily decorated as well.

There is less decoration on the barrel assembly, with most around the breech area, matching the decorations on the receiver. It does not look to be a spiral forged barrel, and still retains a lot of the original bluing near the matte top strap, and on the bottom under where the fore grip attaches.

The bottom rear of the barrel is covered in markings, including 867 and 1607, which are probably some type of serial numbers. We see some initials and maybe a logo, which would indicate the maker of the barrel. There are also clear 16/1 (16) markings on both sides, indicating that it is a 16 gauge shotgun, with an actual bore diameter between .662” and .669”. There are (Eagle) CROWN / S marks on the bottom of each barrel, where S means Schrotlauf (Shotgun Barrel), the provisional black powder proof for Shotgun barrels. Both barrels also have the (Eagle) / Crown / U marking, which is another proof mark, which is the Zeichen für den 2. Beschuß auf der Laufbank und dem System (Proof for 2nd Test for the assembly and system).

The left barrel only is marked with the CROWN / W proof for Würgebohrung (Choke hole), so probably that bore is "choked" to affect the spread of shot. The sides of both barrels above where the barrel joins the receiver are marked with (Eagle) NITRO, indicating it was tested with smokeless powder. This is a very early proof used in the late 19th century before the "CROWN / N" was introduced. The "table" on the end of the receiver has a single (Eagle) / Crown / U proof marking, and there are not any other markings we can see.

This lovely DOUBLE BARREL 16 gauge Hammer Shotgun presents very nicely, with a lovely patina of age, showing moderate handling and use. It is all iron mounted, and is highly decorated, as mentioned before. The butt stock has a checkered "pistol grip", with a lovely cheek piece on the left side. The bottom cap and butt plate are both of horn, and are really quite lovely, showing a bit of damage from wear and possibly insects. The fore stock has some lovely checkering, and easily removes using the lever on the bottom. 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 pin springs are working correctly, though they are a bit weak. The side action locks have strong main springs, and no provision for a half cock position. They are the type that "bounce back" after contacting the firing pins. 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. We checked the bores of the barrels, and they are clean and shiny for the most part, however there is some past oxidation near the chambers.

A very nice antique German hammer shotgun with fantastic decorated metalwork! Ready to research and display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: c.1890
Caliber: about .660" 16 gauge / bore - 3 inch chambers
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 29 3/4 Inches
Overall Length: 46 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.